So... there have been racoons in the house for several years, off and on. Raccoons like to be inside at night, and then outside during the day to forage for food (unless there is food inside (which there is not (anymore))).
The house itself is pretty secure, so the only way in (or out again) is through the Chimney, seen here from our Parents Room. Originally, the beasts crawled down it into the fireplace, and from there into the house.
Once we realized what was happening (and once we could get to the fireplace), we barricaded the fireplace. Not to be stopped, the beasts then came down the furnace flue (also in the chimney stack) and into the furnace itself (obviously, shut off), then did a u-turn into the duct work of the house, then pushed out through the only loose return vent (the one in our Parents Room). Said grill is now more firmly blocked.
But in case you wanted proof it was a raccoon and not, say, a really strong mouse, check out the footprints in the dust on top of the Dad's dresser.
At this point, we have blocked (1) the vents, (2) the furnace, (3) an open plenum in the basement duct work, and (4) the fireplace. We have hired an "animal control service" (think: exterminator, and not "ex-terminator," as in the former California governor) which has blocked the chimney from further entrance of said beasts with a trap system. The trap has successfully captured one (female) beast leaving the house. She was not a nursing mother, so there aren't any babies left behind. Only footprints, and lots of bad memories (on my part, not hers). Once the trap is clear for a week, they will cap the chimney permanently.
By the way, our neighbor kindly offered the use of his shotgun. It was only Carol's cool-headed recommendation to go the "animal control" route that has kept the drywall in the house intact. For now.
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