P.S.
We live along Minnehaha creek in South Minneapolis. The critter would need to cross a street to get here, but it isn't far. We also have racoons, but they live in the storm drains, no hole digging for them. The only other wild life is squirls and they prefer the attic (we did move 8 out last winter). The only foot prints around the hole belong to the dogs that put their noses down the hole.

how about a wood chuck , do they live in the Cities, we had one before we got Louis, it dug a large hole under the front porch ate all my plants that year too, but after Louis came to live here , we have none of that stuff anymore, they just don't like it here or don't survive the cat or him.
Maybe I should rent him out to you, j/k.
Lone

Lone,

I called the Mpls. animal control and yes wood chucks do live in the cities. He called them ground hogs and said that they are the same thing. He suggested that I go to the Animal Humane Society to rent a live trap, use tuna as bait and then relocate it. Now I just need to figure out where to move it and hope it gets the tuna before a cat does.

Pauline

Pauline, watch out I've heard they can be kind of mean , I'm sure glad , mine left he was really big,and we were going to live trap him too and he ate everything insite, before I got the fence around my flower garden.
How are the orchids doing?
Lone

Lone, the orchids are doing great the Maya Sacrifig has lots of buds forming and they all seem to like their new home. I too have heard that wood chucks can be mean. They don't like dogs and cats nosing around so you are lucky that your critter just moved on.

Pauline

zen,

When you do catch it, toss an old thick towel or blanket over the cage (make sure you can still get a hold of the handle) that'll make it dark and settle the critter somewhat and keep those nasty claws away from you through the cage.

-Marie

I was also think Woodchuck before anyone answered.....I live out in the Prior Lake/ Savage area and we have them all over out here.....my neighbors had them living under their shed...as my sister did...my dogs were barking at them all the time....but they are fenced in the back yard so the woodchucks would sit and pose for them all day since they knew the dogs couldn't get them....these woodchucks eat all my tomatoes and that is why I have to grow them on the deck behind a gate or fences....but if you live trap them then what...I always hear if they are brought to a different area that won't work...that is not their territory and they will try to return....but maybe this is not correct for WC....just don't bring them out here...we have enough of them.....Michele >^,,^