Raccoon Whisperer Story

How I came to be with raccoons, believe me it was not my intention for most of my life I have not see any wildlife or given any notice to them. Just a foot note no rabies ever reported in the Province of Nova Scotia since we became a country I know in the USA they do but not here. I get asked that thousands of times.

[@davidayarra3129]

great video. I'm sure your wife would be happy to see you kept your promise.

[@SimranRajQueenBliss]

I bet she’s always around him in spirit 💖

[@reneebono8115]

She is

[@TLJTHELITTLEJUICE]

It's the best feeling. Glad you kept the wife's tradition. That's your extended family.

[@blueyzsf]

Hi James...Edward here. Let me say that I was sorry to learn about your wife passing, I'll bet it brings her a lot of joy watching from heaven while you're caring for all those critters! Wouldn't surprise me if she's around you when you're out there. :) Been watching your Channel for a couple months now and finally searched back far enough to find this video, answers questions I always wondered about how you started to care for your brood, ever been bitten, number you feed, etc. I originally was looking for videos on how to catch and relocate Raccoons as I seem to have a clever one that has figured out how to use my cat door and comes in my house (very noisily) and chows down. Decided to close the door at night instead of relocating it after watching your videos. Thanks for posting your videos, I'm a little addicted now and check for updates regularly...no pressure! ;) Would love to see more of your property, always wanted to get up Nova Scotia way...one of these days!

[@JustineSalisbury]

You have a heart of gold, James! I wish there were more people in the world like you who care enough for animals. 💛

[@donaldjohnson4019]

James You Are The Best !

[@TodaysDelight]

Now, I know your history about raccoons. You are such a wonderful person. Your wife will be proud!

[@furryface1057]

well said

[@billiepreston5470]

Hot dogs are terrible for them.

[@kathleenking47]

In the US, theres Lynn smith Of Deer🦌Whisper He feeds the deer 🌽 He doesn't have as long as videos He also remind me of a Canadian St Francis of Assisi 😊

[@kennykraay9975]

You're a dying breed, a true man who keeps his promise.

[@MetricCaboose1]

It's great that you're doing this. It makes me happy to see that there are people like you who care about wildlife like this.

[@kenlivingston7726]

MY HUSBAND AND I ADORE YOU AND LOVE YOUR KINDNESS TO THE RACCOONS!! WE HAVE LIVED HERE IN THE WOODS AND HAVE RACCOONS ON OUR TOP DECK THAT WE FEED WITH "PURINA ONE WITH REAL SALMON." YOU ARE THE MOST AMAZING MAN, AND WE'RE SO VERY GLAD THAT YOU LOVE THESE RACCOONS!!! THANK YOU FOR BEING SO KIND!! DEFINITELY WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO LOVE ANIMALS!!!

[@santiagonieves4655]

I look at all animals differently now, thanks to you .

[@glamdolly30]

What a fascinating video James, thank you, you answered many of my questions. I am full of admiration for you and the way you care about these beautiful creatures and go the extra mile for them. That you record so much of it on video as well is quite astonishing! How amazing that thanks to your love and care Rascal is a grand old lady of 12, you must take great pride in knowing you are giving them good health and longevity, for without your support their lives in the wild would be so much harder. I can't imagine anything worse than death by starvation - that is something your raccoon 'family' will never have to face. God bless you darling - wish I lived near, I would love to take you out for a slap up dinner and talk raccoons with the Raccoon Whisperer! X

[@sci8911]

Sometimes humans have to help animals out. You are wonderful

[@findyourfreedom39]

It’s amazing that your wife started this and through your promise to her, it has become a huge part of your life. The way you speak about them, it’s so passionate. You care so much for their well being and you have given us the gift of being able to witness it. You have given me a new perspective on life. Thank you for what you do.♥️

[@ger3dine]

Your heart is right place. God bless you for keeping your promise to your wife.

[@wolfofrhodeislandx7462]

Thank you for addressing the rabies and distemper.hopefully it slows the chatter of all the misinformed folks out there.keep the posts coming.your doing a great job helping the animals James

[@marshahumbert9322]

I’m just watching this in 2020. I get a kick out of Jim saying he likes to keep it down to 2 raccoons! Lol He had 24 the other night. Your wife is smiling down on you for taking care of all these babies.

[@kathytucker4165]

I chuckled when I heard him say he likes having 2 also

[@ReggieWarrhol]

2023, keep it at 2 raccoons, ok Jim, tonights video with Angie out there getting mobbed by hungry fat babies was amazing.

[@lordeacon1]

Watching the videos from 2023 and had more than 30+ on a regular basis! 🦝

[@yakkyjoe1]

You are a good man. I feed my raccoons and provide them with water. A female that appears to be blind in one eye has survived for 5 years so far. There is nothing wrong with a helping hand.

[@eddiecuevas9001]

Go with what your heart ❤

[@lauralafferty199]

Well my parents have lived in the home they are currently living in since 1994. And we never seen raccoons in the back yard before. Until now, only because they have torn down a bunch of woods down the road from my parents, and now are building new homes. But I now feed them every night. I have three that come by and eat every night. I named them rosso, scooby, and shaggy. I sit out on the back porch and watch them eat, I even talk to them. They just look at me and keep on eating. Anyway, I love your videos.

[@TexasWildcat]

It is more than admirable of you to try and make sure these little adorable furries can make it through the winters by feeding them! Your a wonderful person, and I wish more people cared about wildlife and tried to help instead of the enjoyment of hunting them down!

[@sumiimasen___]

Thank you for sharing and spreading animal love.

[@rosiecortez6763]

You Are A Promise Keeper ❤ 💕 💛

[@louise-marie]

Hello James. I've been watching your videos for about a year now and I just came across this one where you introduced how your whole raccoon saga began. First I want to tell you how sorry I am that you lost your wife. What a lovely lady she was to start such a safe haven for cats and raccoons. She gave you a way to continue what she began and look how it has blossomed into a very fulfilling and plentiful life for you. What a wonderful tribute Jim's Diner is to your wife's memory.

[@DG-nv3nn]

I have a lot of respect for you, don't listened to the trolls, what your doing is admirable, you have a strong following.

[@fricas22]

I enjoyed the chat by Mr. Blackwood and look forward to many more raccoon videos!

[@qtpi935]

My mom and I have been feeding raccoons for a few years too and they're so gentle and sweet. They never bite.

[@tinklvsme]

Dear James I just found you last week, we have 13 Racoons, I respect your love for nature! All in Love and God's Peace Michele:D

[@nicks4112]

I wish there was more amazing , kind , caring people like you. I enjoy watching your videos the Racoons , your cats, and other wildlife videos you have in your area. Im out in California living by a creek about 10 years ago i was feeding feral cats, but i didnt realize Racoons, Skunks and a few Possums were eating most of the food i put out. Now 10 years later i still feed all the critters every nite i enjoy watching the Racoons especially out here they come all year round , and this whole time never had a problem with any of the critters i mostly keep my distance , because once in a while the Racoons here give me a nasty growl, and hissing sound if i get too close.

[@surfininmy40s]

After many failed attempts to befriend a raccoon, i finally met a tame one in my yard. They are such amazing animals.

[@kathleenking47]

Raccoons and Bears could get into places other animals cant They have 🖐5 fingers

[@downhilltwofour0082]

James, my wife and I have had cats for the last 35 years. At one time we had 12 all in the house. We quit having outdoor cats after we lost about three that way. Our animals have enriched our lives and hopefully made us better human beings! Thanks for sharing your story with us. The world needs more people like you sir!

[@1rclife184]

You sir are a great man with a loving heart keep up the great work

[@louise5788]

What a lovely sincere video. I've been in bed unwell for the last couple of days and you and your raccoons have kept my spirit high and really cheered me up. I think I've watched nearly all of them and I adore how Rascal unexpectedly lives up to her name. God bless you, your raccoons and of course "Conner Cat" and Charlotte. You are all in my prayers. Greetings from Scotland X

[@user-kn2yk2qt9r]

It's beautiful to see how a promise grew into this channel. I'm learning a lot about these animals. I bet you could publish a book on raccoon lifecycle and behavior. Thanks James. All the best!

[@janetl1998]

I love your videos, please continue to do them. Don't listen to the complainers it sounds like your are very knowledgeable about the raccoon's and I learn a lot from you. I'm in the states and feed some also but I have a dog so they will not even let me get close to them which is fine by me....i agree with so much that you said that yes they are wild animals and i don't want them to get comfortable with humans either! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@chrisbato2093]

Literally no dislikes.. I love this community! Even all of the comments have likes!

[@bhumphries1360]

You are a very kind person. And you are not harming them at all. They are clearly still very wild, and know how to fend for themselves. I love the scenery behind you! It's beautiful where you live!

[@nancybennett9265]

You are a dear man. Love to watch your videos. Never listen to the naysayers but keep up the good work.

[@qtpi935]

You're doing so much to help the cause of educating people about raccoons by showing how adorable and sweet they are!

[@lynntreadway8909]

Great video, Jim. Loved hearing the backstory.

[@amyprice3661]

They don’t make men like you anymore!! Bless you!! ❤

[@shencilparpener5515]

Really great video James!

[@justmissjamey]

You are so BLESSED to live in such a gorgeous place :) THANK YOU for everything you are doing. I appreciate you. I love in town and rehab and help small wildlife. I somehow get squirrels that come my way......I have neighbors that are INSANE and nasty about me feeding and taking care of animals (I keep all kinds of food out daily and 24/7) . I think some people can be evil, or uneducated about animals...or they dont care and want to hurt things......animals honestly have a really, really rough time for them. Especially winter time, and vehicles, humans, other animals etc. Its a really hard life for them. I dont have kids and animals are my life and have been since I was a little girl. When my mother was alive, she would always say "Jamey you cant save the world" and now I am older, I cant save the world, but I know I help a lot of them and that's all that matters. I'm in Indiana and you can get permits to have them inside the house if you get them from a pet store etc..and I lived indoor with 3 non releasable fox squirrels. In the past 5 years, I've lost them, but they lived 13, 14 and 17 years inside with me, and it was the best experience I was ever allowed to have. Good for wrascle......if you find one that was hurt, DHR usually out them down vs help them, especially at times they are overwhelmed with baby season. So if you can, maybe try to fix them up yourself and when they get strong and able, then release them.....they need a sock with rice inside it and heated up in a microwave (rice buddy) some blankets and give them a milk replace (powder milk).....and of course other food. Thank you for sharing and taking the time to do this :D. You are appreciated

[@AJ-tp9bk]

Everything you shared here is just beautiful. God bless you, Jamey! So true that many people are afraid and uneducated about animals. Oh, and your mom reminds me of my mom!

[@ritajayne]

Dec 2022….. watching your videos everyday and it doesn’t really matter when they were filmed….. love, kindness and compassion have been a constant. You are loved by so many around the world.

[@KayVaughn-x8p]

U r an incredible human being do not let anyone tell u different!!

[@sahamal_savu]

When you said "18 was way too many" I laughed :D How about 25? :D Love ya Jim, bless your heart

[@queen_b9280]

I can say this enough. YOU...ARE...AMAZING!!!!!❤

[@MC-gt6yp]

Thanks for educating people.

[@WindWipper]

Great video! You covered all the bases and answered some great questions. My sincerest condolences to you on the passing of your wife...that had to be so very hard.

[@tonkysue207]

The type of man every woman wants.sorry for the loss of your wife,she would be so proud of you .you have kept our family entertained ,we always say we wish you were our neighbour.

[@niskamelchionne1942]

Your very beautiful man with good heart person. And education the people on the raccoons good what you doing. Keep up the good work

[@MrJRW1]

It’s a beautiful way to honour your wife’s wishes.

[@SimranRajQueenBliss]

Jim, you are my #lifegoals 🙌🏽✨🙌🏽

[@Zince]

I am a fan of your videos, too bad I don't use facebook. Love listening about and watching Racoons.

[@JamesBlackwoodRaccoonWhisperer]

+TurtlesLoveTigers Your not missing a thing everything I post on facebook goes on youtube

[@qtpi935]

You're an amazing person. I try to tell people this all the time.

[@truly3743]

Sorry to hear about your wife. She’s smiling down at you. The raccoons will always be just fine you do what makes you happy!!

[@eileenmunson7198]

Love this old video. Times flies!❤❤❤

[@lynnmicallef7422]

Bravo! Bless your heart. You are an angel! Racoons have just as much right as living animals to be on the planet as we or any animal have. If they want to come to you they will if they don't they won't. What you are doing obviously works for you and them. They are very robust. Keep up the great work! Thank you for sharing and God bless you for upholding your wifes dying wish.💕🐾🐾🐾🐾

[@Tinkerginamama]

The more I watch the more I just love your channel! Thank you for all you do and for all the time you take to care for the raccoons and respond to messages. God bless you!

[@Hjmmo]

keep up the good work James. I rise and release orphan wildlife

[@FindersKeeper]

Been watching a lot of your videos and it brings calm and peace to my day. Love it

[@jasonyano]

this is my new fav addiction. love the videos.

[@tallisonrausch5719]

I've started to train as a wildlife mammal rehabilitator since watching James' videos. Before then I knew nothing about raccoons. My mom died on 5/22 this year after just a couple months of developing stage IV lung cancer out of nowhere. I moved to Alabama to care for her and am now caring for dad. The last few months have been so hard, and James' videos were such welcome inspiring distraction. I honestly credit the relationships I've since developed with my own gang of backyard raccoons with getting me through this terrible time, and now want to give back to them. I've read everything @ raccoons I can get my hands on, and through the animal welfare community I'm also finally getting out and getting to know other gentle souls in my new state. Good bless to everyone & keep on raccooning!

[@JamesBlackwoodRaccoonWhisperer]

My wife started this with the raccoons in 1999 and she died of Cancer in 2003 and she asked me to keep this up for her as she did not want any of them to go hungry and here I am 13 years later still fulfilling her request. I keep saying when Rascal dies I would give it up but she has been with me now 12 years and still keeping me company. So sorry to hear about your mother,

[@glamdolly30]

I was so touched by your words Tallison and so sorry to learn of your sad loss. Animals can give us a huge amount of strength and comfort in painful times and I am glad your backyard raccoons are helping you through. I too find James' amazing videos a great source of entertainment and inspiration! Lovely to know there are special people like him in the world. God bless you, sending you love and positive energy from a friend in England. X

[@JamesBlackwoodRaccoonWhisperer]

thank you so much

[@egluzhele]

great job man!👍

[@rosemarygaeta8205]

Just found this and im in love. James you have a huge heart!

[@tammymcguire4991]

Your wife is soo happy & proud of you🌹 God Bless you & wife.. edits sorry but you held promise & Ty🌹

[@greekgirlsings]

What a beautiful story and tribute to your late wife.

[@MzKLR]

I'm glad I saw this. I wondered how this all started. I think you are educating. I've learned a lot watching these videos. Thank You!

[@bruhmoment532]

your a good man! :)

[@journeysalkebulan]

It's November 11th, 2022 and I'm just seeing this video. I have never watched your old videos until yesterday I watched one. I'm glad to hear from you in detail how you started. You are 100% doing the right thing then when you made this video and now present day! 💜💚

[@CraftQueenJ]

I think what your doing is great! I'm sure your wife is up there smiling, you kept your promise ❤️ raccoons are amazing! I raised up 2 baby boy coons, (they didn't even have their eyes open yet). I named them Pancho & Lefty 🤍🦝🦝🖤I bottle fed & weened them. I cuddled with the. I showed them how to do many things and most definitely I loved them very very much. Raccoons are very smart animals. Lefty loved being rubbed and scratched just like a dog or cat. They brought me so much happiness!!! Animals are so precious!! I support what your doing 100% James! your an animal lover with a heart of gold! Negativity & hate is pointless. Those haters are wasting their breathe.... They need to move on & leave you alone!!!! #JamesBlackwood ❤️ #Raccoons ❤️ #Raccoonwhisperer ❤️

[@jerryanstey7058]

Jim, your love for animals is infinite !

[@lindamccartney1055]

Dear Mr Blackwood, I am writing to you at this time to let you know how much I love watching you feed the little Raccoons. It is so interesting to see how they love all of the variety of foods that you feed them. Thank You so much for sharing your times with all of us out here in video land. Sincerely Linda McCartney in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

[@reidchambers2521]

It must be so hard when they pass away. You and your wife are/were the type of people the world needs more of.

[@pglen6042]

LOL, enjoyed rewatching this. So enjoy Jim's channel.

[@mikkijoshirley4890]

James I think your a god send to raccoons I have 2 raccoons my self and it's great to see there are people out there like yourself who take the time to educate others on raccoons because they are wonderful creatures I know your wife would be proud of what you have done and what you sre continuing to do God Bless You

[@tamtamj8787]

Such a wonderful husband honoring your late wife's wishes.

[@f-train9823]

You are a wonderful man, James! I'm so happy that I found your channel! 🇨🇦♡♥♡❤️

[@suefrench8721]

Mr. Blackwood, you are doing a wonderful job of taking care of these wonderful little cuties. And you are blessed to be living in the most wonderful place in Canada. I have so much respect for you and really,for all Maritimers I've met. Keep up with and enjoy the wonderful little masked bandits.

[@delelkin3348]

I love your personality and givingness to God's Beautiful animals,you have a Heart of Gold Mr.James.Much Love to You.

[@gajahgendut]

They are really lucky to have you.

[@mitteradams1216]

Live an let live I watch you every nite an love your your show hates will be haters God bless you for what you do

[@superaristogatta]

It’s wonderful what you do, and it’s beautiful to see these wonderful raccoons happy and with a full belly! Your videos are great and now I watch them every day! I found myself a baby raccoon a couple of weeks ago and fall totally in love. I gave him immediately to rescuers rehab for raccoons and they said they will release him in the wild as soon as he will be full grown and able to provide food for himself, he was a poor little orphan I guess around 5 weeks old. I wish I could have keep him but I don’t have a yard and the law here do not allow raccoons as pets, I offered to foster him but the law allows only raccoons rescuers rehab.I think of that little beautiful face every day. Hoping is growing well and strong. I love raccoons and any animal on planet . Thank you for all the help you provide to these beautiful animals!

[@timkelly9535]

I think you are doing a great thing helping these little animals survive,pay no mind to what these negative people say. Keep up the good work.

[@NANCO1999]

I sometimes feed raccoons and noticed the same thing....they can pack away a ridiculous amount of food.

[@deborahlewis5964]

What a wonderful story…❤❤. So glad you have continued on with the promise…..Trolls are everywhere….it’s hard to ignore..but sometimes you have to figure the source of their criticism….Thank you Jim.. again thanks for a wonderful story….❤❤❤❤❤

[@lesleymariewade6405]

These older videos are just starting to show. Love them. James your an amazing man.

[@loriaguiar5826]

James , I came across you while looking up info on raccoons , because there are 2 raccoons that have been coming in my yard , and I’ve been feeding them. They are so cute !! Love watching the way they eat , washing their food etc… One started coming near me , and backing up then walking near again. I just don’t want to get bit! Love animals , have 8 cats! Now my new thing is the raccoons hahaha! The crazy thing is , I don’t live in the country , I don’t know where they come from everyday , but they come here when the sun goes down . Just subscribed to your channel and am amazed at how all the raccoons go to your house !!! You’re a great person with a good heart ❤

[@maryangeln3611]

So sorry for your loss. People can be so rotten and say negative things. Your videos are just so wonderful You are a very wise man and I applaud you for what you do

[@graceknopp9050]

I think it's wonderful that you take care of the raccoons. They all look so sweet. I really think it's cute when one of them grabs your leg. So cute. You are a special person.

[@Cleia73]

🦝🙂 Great heart! 🤗💖 God bless you!

[@markdezii]

Beautiful video, Jim! God bless you.

[@philipconnell9317]

Rocky Raccoon fell back to his fridge only to find more hotdogs. Love it. Jim you are a legend.

[@christofour217]

Hamburger helper and sautéed mushrooms? lol God bless you Sir.

[@geoffcarr5157]

I have a mom and her kits that come by daily as well. I put a little kiddie pool outside with a raccoon feeder full of dry cat food. twice a week a few marshmellows or hot dogs for treats. Every now and then I'll catch a live fish and put it in the pool. It's entertaining to watch them. I don't interact with them like you do but I did setup a few Web cams that record on motion so I can keep an eye on them without getting too close. where I live they can have rabies but in the years I've been observing them I've yet to see one show any signs. your wife would be proud of you. Keep up the good work. Where are you located? you mentioned Nova Scotia. I grew up there but later moved to Atlanta and now Florida.

[@ireallydcanymore]

Awww you should post what your webcam caught of them

[@emotional_rain]

You are doing some amazing, selfless work. BLESS YOU! ❤🦝❤

[@catzska]

I enjoy your channel and love how you care for the raccoons. I took care of a raccoon for years too his name is Chester and he has brought me so much joy. Thank you for doing what you do. You are a wonderful person. 💕✌🏻💜😋🙏🏻

[@kaylaj.9733]

What a awesome story!! I'm so glad I came across your channel- it is very entertaining!

[@lorraineb.4698]

I really like it too❤

[@journeysalkebulan]

I truly believe this is what God has you doing! 💜🙏🏾

[@edmora7662]

You’re a good man. God bless.

[@judygeorge8540]

You are an incredible human. It’s people like you that give me hope! Bless you sweet man.

[@larasikora5534]

I like his videos his voice is soothing and everything is simple..I go back to the old one's.

[@MTYi]

Mr Blackwood, you are a true gentleman. We love you and your cats and raccoons very very much!!

[@nathanclements1986]

I wish everybody was like you, God bless 🙏

[@shannonsanders3488]

Thanks for sharing this story! SSS

[@williamfluck148]

Hey Jim, just recently subscribed and you are a man after my own hear. I am almost 64, single, got a pretty big ranch house near several wooded areas, but always getting smaller due to construction here in Eastern Pa. I take care of the wildlife as well when I am not working, which is all the time, I wish I could afford to take more time, but for right now, it is what it is, but I enjoy sharing your time with your animals, I had 10 cats too at one point, now just one. You take care buddy and be safe! Thanks for sharing!