Animal Question

[lusus]

Question for you squirrel-eaters and mountain folk. Out in the back yard the dog discovered a little burrow in the side of a hill with a bunch of ivy and hostas (low ground covering). Its looks to be about 6 inches deep and its lined with gray fur, presumably pulled from the mother. Three little critters sleeping away in there and I can't figure what they are.

Not rabbits, ears too small. They look to big to be chipmunks because they seem about the same size as an adult would be but they still look really young. But they have a mouse or chipmunk kind of face. Brownish fur. Ears sort of mousy but kind of drooping on the head.

Now that I think about it the little fucks might be possums, but do they burrow the babies? I thought they pouched them or they road around on its back. And we have a dog that plays ball up and down that hill non-stop, why would a possum choose there?

If they are possums, what is the downside? Should I let them be or turn the cat loose?

Thoughts from any of you sons of the soil?

[RangerX]

Got any pics? What area do you live in?

It's almost certainly not possums, but they sound a lot like field rats.

[Rock Island Ranger]

Question for you squirrel-eaters and mountain folk. Out in the back yard the dog discovered a little burrow in the side of a hill with a bunch of ivy and hostas (low ground covering). Its looks to be about 6 inches deep and its lined with gray fur, presumably pulled from the mother. Three little critters sleeping away in there and I can't figure what they are.

Not rabbits, ears too small. They look to big to be chipmunks because they seem about the same size as an adult would be but they still look really young. But they have a mouse or chipmunk kind of face. Brownish fur. Ears sort of mousy but kind of drooping on the head.

Now that I think about it the little fucks might be possums, but do they burrow the babies? I thought they pouched them or they road around on its back. And we have a dog that plays ball up and down that hill non-stop, why would a possum choose there?

If they are possums, what is the downside? Should I let them be or turn the cat loose?

Thoughts from any of you sons of the soil?

You live in the NC to New York State area? If so, whistle pigs. Ground hogs.

[lusus]

Got any pics? What area do you live in?

It's almost certainly not possums, but they sound a lot like field rats.

I'll post a pic tomorrow. I live in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland Ohio. I do see lots of possums, skunks and rabbits around, but I guess they could be rats of some sort.

[lusus]

Ranger Lusus,

Did you get a look at the tails at all? It shouldn't be opossums.

Could it be a gopher or ground squirrel?

Cant see the tail, they are all snugged in tight to each other faces out. Not pulling good security either, all three sleeping.

[rgrpuck]

Ranger Lusus,

Did you get a look at the tails at all? It shouldn't be opossums.

Could it be a gopher or ground squirrel?

Cant see the tail, they are all snugged in tight to each other faces out. Not pulling good security either, all three sleeping.

Opossums are marsupeal ...(that mean they carry there young like a kangaroo) when they get older they hang onto moms back.

[Rock Island Ranger]

Got any pics? What area do you live in?

It's almost certainly not possums, but they sound a lot like field rats.

I'll post a pic tomorrow. I live in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland Ohio. I do see lots of possums, skunks and rabbits around, but I guess they could be rats of some sort.

Could be ground hogs. Full size abut the size of a pretty fat Tom Cat, brown, short legs, not much ear.

[ANGRYCivilian]

They are BAD news...whatever they are....KILL THEM ALL!!! And then kill the mother as she comes after hearing there whinny little screams....while you burn them. :D

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Ranger Bill]

The nest you desribe is most typical of cottontail rabbits and I am willing to bet that is what they are. The young would not have long ears yet. Groundhog nests will be underground. Many speciies of mice/rats have similar type nests, but the babies will be about the size of half you thumb.

[Rock Island Ranger]

They are BAD news...whatever they are....KILL THEM ALL!!! And then kill the mother as she comes after hearing there whinny little screams....while you burn them. :D

Glad you dont have the same thinking about kids next door.

[Flesh Thorn]

Not rabbits, ears too small. They look to big to be chipmunks because they seem about the same size as an adult would be but they still look really young. But they have a mouse or chipmunk kind of face. Brownish fur. Ears sort of mousy but kind of drooping on the head.

Ain't sure, but they will still probably taste good. The meat will be mild and tender, but not much of it. If you want to eat them now just throw them on some hot coals and roast them whole. The skin will blacken and you can peel it off and just eat around any guts. The bones should be soft enough to eat too.