Posted by Idaho Annie on July 2, 2003

Q: Hi, my cat caught a rodent yesterday - I now have it in a rodent carrying case. Appears to be okay. I would like to know what it is. tail 6-7" long. 1 1/2" long body, with a cute face - black eyes, a short snout, & ears close to its head. (Years ago in my yard I saw a (think it was) a muskrat, with a very long, hairy tail - that only a Mother could love)...I just planted lettuce, & my lettuce has all disappeared, & I wonder if this guy is enjoying the fruits of my labor....please advise & thank you!! in advance...

A: I really need more information (color,fur pattern, habitat, your location) to begin to make an ID since many rodents are very similar to what you've described although the tail length compared to body seems very long. You may want to try looking in a mammal field guide as this would help a lot. The Peterson guides have a "First Guide" series -you'll want the mammal one - that is quite good and would get you started without much expense.

Muskrats have an almost bare tail that is flattened on the sides. Many kinds of mammals will be interested in your garden so you'll probably need to fence it in. Be sure to have the fencing buried several inches under the surface so burrowers can't easily access.

John Wiessinger ( July 2, 2003)