Strange Critter...

18 years ago

Yesterday as I was watching squirrels on the ground under my birdfeeders, I saw movement in the grass and realized there was a smaller rodent out there with them. I got my binoculars (or my bilockeners, as Tabby calls them) and took a closer look. This little guy had a face just like a hamster or gerbil...big eyes, little round ears, and a much rounder, cuter face than any rat. It was larger than the citrus rats I've seen (though I don't know that I've ever seen one of those fully grown) but definitely smaller than the squirrels. And it had a long, relatively bare tale, but the tale didn't look as naked as a rat's does. More like it had short, close hair on it.

I'm 98% sure it was not a rat, as it didn't run like them, either. It seemed to have shorter front paws and lope a bit when it scampered around. I've never owned a gerbil, but that is what it most closely resembled to me, except I think it might have been a wee bit larger. It would dart under my adirondack chair and immediately turn around and peek out at me with such a cute face.

Could it be an escaped gerbil or other pet rodent? I watched it off and on for about 30 minutes yesterday morning, but haven't seen it since. I'm so curious! I know Potter will get it if he has a chance, and I don't think I really want him to, if it's someone's lost pet. Of course, it may have filled up on spilled seed and moved on now, too.

Anyone have any ideas? What other gerbil looking pet might be a tad larger, but still retaining that cute hamster/gerbil type face?

Marcia

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Comments (7)

solstice98
18 years ago
Guinea pig?
They get pretty large and are oh-so-round-and-cute.
wile_e_coyote
18 years ago
I don't think a gerbil would be larger than a rat.
We do have other wild rodents, here's a site with a list of Florida rodents (scroll down to the rodent section).

Take a look at the Florida Woodrat, big eyes, slightly furry tail, could that be what you saw? If that's what he is he's a good rat.

Here is a link that might be useful: Florida rodents
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solstice98
18 years ago
Capybara?

Wombat?

Homer?
(Big eyes, round ears, eating leftovers in the grass...)
abendwolke
18 years ago
a young weasel?
solstice98
18 years ago
"...a wee bit bigger" than a gerbil: I'm still voting for Guinea Pig.

But I'm really, really hoping it was a Wombat...
manature
Original Author
18 years ago
Hahahahahahaha!!! Oh, how I wish it were a wombat!!! I just love the little blighters! Definitely not a capybara, though...I held one of those once, and got a really good look at it. I'm pretty sure I would recognize one again, even far away from its native riverland habitat.

And speaking of Homer, let me just say this: DOH!!!! Never-miiiiiiiiiiiind! You have all made wonderful (or wonderfully funny) guesses, but I saw my mystery visitor today in full sunlight and at much closer range. DEFINITELY a rat. Period. Potter can have his shot at it today.

I must have been on drugs yesterday (maybe some of that joyweed mentioned in the thread on Melissa's Before & After photos)! I don't know what I was thinking. Too much caffeine, perhaps. Or not enough. Perhaps I need more fiber in my diet. Or less. Certainly I need new glasses!!

Sorry to have led you all on a wild rodent chase, but I sure enjoyed your answers!

Thanks a million for the laughs!

Marcia (hanging head in shame, and wandering off somewhere to hide!)
wanda662
18 years ago
You Guys or Ladies must be having a grand day!
Kate, your a Hoot, I think you out did Manature!
Thanks for the laugh!