I woke up this morning to a strange sound I didn't recognize, and for an hour or so I just couldn't figure out what it was. I finally decided it was coming from outside the house, so I got dressed and went out to investigate. Much to my surprise and anger I found a very large racoon on my new roof chewing a hole through the roof in an attempt to get into my attic. I called animal control but got a recording explaining that they only work mon-fri, 9-5 and to call the police non emergency line which I did. They were no help at all suggesting I either use a pellet gun or go up and get him myself. Being without a ladder I couldn't get on the roof, so I had no choice but to go up to the local sports store and buy a high velocity (1000 fps) pellet rifle. Six shots it took to convince that varmint to look elsewhere for a home and before climbing down he let me know in no uncertain terms that he was not at all happy with my method of persuasion. But finally he's gone and I now have to go and repair my roof.