Those Wild Neighbors

You would think I'd never seen an armadillo before. That's how pleased and excited I was. I show pretty much the same reaction with deer, opossums, raccoons... most wildlife that happens across my path, especially in my garden. 

I know that many people have had problems with wildlife destroying their gardens. I don't doubt that part of my benevolent attitude is due to the fact that we've never had a serious problem with raiders. Well, except for the squirrels. But they give so much pleasure year round that I find it hard to begrudge them stone fruit in season. Birds do their share of pecking, too, but I can't imagine the garden without them. I haven't caught any other creatures in the act.

Overall, I find it encouraging to see wildlife in neighborhoods and gardens. We've forced the proximity, not them, and seeing them makes me feel we haven't ruined things completely.

Do you love seeing wildlife in your garden? Or do you hate it?