Had a close call with a hidden raccoon nest in a chimney in Portland last month

I was doing a routine inspection on an old house and started pulling down the brush. About halfway down, I heard this frantic scratching and a whole mess of twigs and leaves came tumbling into the firebox. A full family of raccoons had built a nest right in the smoke shelf area, which I couldn't see from the top. The homeowner had no idea they were even up there. Now I always do a camera inspection before I even start the brush on any job that's been idle for a season. What's your go-to method for checking for animals before a sweep?

2 comments

2 Comments

jade3214d ago

My buddy found a whole owl once...

charlie_roberts8714d ago

Whole owl is wild, @jade32. I found a hawk once that hit a window. Called a local wildlife rehab center right away, they told me to put it in a dark box with air holes so it could calm down. Just left it alone in my garage until the volunteer came. That quiet, dark space is key, lets them chill out without getting more scared.