The creature

[F, Calla & Luca]

Today we were having a clear patch before five days of rain, just what we need---sorry Texas but we will send some. I decided to try a few more, okay a hundred perhaps, calendar pictures. The doodles got interested in the base of one of their favorite "maybe we can catch a squirrel"  tree. This is one reason  why taking "simple" calendar pictures is not so simple.

I investigated and found a creature motel. Inquiring snouts were busy at work trying to ferret out the critter. This guy was poking out of a hole, but around the root I saw another hole, perhaps the escape hatch. Vole, mole whatever, any guesses? He was a couple of inches at most I guess.  Needless to say, in my attempt to remove doodles before they had the poor thing, who did not seem frightened,for lunch, and of course to document it for posterity, I hastily changed my camera from sport mode to the wrong setting. But for a change PhotoShop 9 and I made some nifty changes.Why, you can almost make it out! The doodles are on house arrest until I figure out some way to keep them from snacking on the creature. So one little adventure, no decent pictures,  and merely one mosquito bite later here I am. All in all not such a productive session out there in the wilds : )

The tiny creature:

To give some perspective, the hole is about a foot up in the middle crevice with the possible escape route to the left:

Update: I live in northern NJ. Some of you are scaring me to death with foreign critters.

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Oh. I thought I kept that under wraps. Come on down, or up or over.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Very possibly. After all, if you're some kind of rodent, it's pretty stewpid to take up residence in a backyard where two dogs hang out.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Just as it is with people, there must be a lot of stupid animals then : )

[F, Calla & Luca]

Funny name but attractive, no, I don't think so.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Oh oh oh it is so cute - I want one!!!  I'll trade you a baby gator and 1 wild pig. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's a great idea...between the two of them, there wouldn't be any more creatures, and then the adult gator can take care of the pig.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sorry cash only : )

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Sorry-I don't think it's cute no matter what it is, it shouldn't be in your yard! How are you going to like pulling whatever it is out of their mouth if they get it?? I would have been back in the house in a second not taking pictures! You are so brave!!!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

My Vote is a Vole.

[Melody & Bruin]

It's a.........MOODLE!!!!!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

LOL

[Bryce P]

Maybe a voodle.