Question
Lately, we have noticed that our hummingbird feeder has been emptied at night.  At first it was tipped and the contents were spilled on the ground.  Last night, the bottom of one of the feeders was popped off and the contents went onto the ground.  Whatever did it dug up where it spilled.  We have two feeders on a pole, they tipped the other and emptied it.  We suspect it might be a raccoon. What do you think and how do we stop it.
Janet

Answer
Hi Janet,

I'd guess raccoon as well. Look for little hand-like paw prints. Raccoon are agile climbers on anything that gives the slightest foot hold and their paws can grab anything. They weigh 20-30 pounds and are very strong. They can't jump however so that can be used against them. They can't climb over a slippery surface a few feet up from the ground.  Slippery as in smooth metal or hard plastic. That might help you to construct something to hold your feeders. If you want to keep the raccoon away from the area, here is something I make and sell that works very well.

http://www.freewebs.com/walnut_creek_enterprises/raccoon.htm

Dan