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I was dragging the hose out toward the garden one warm and dry day when I saw movement behind the tomatoes and beans. Quick movement for an obviously large creature, it was followed by a “bang, bang” as the large furry thing crashed against the chicken wire that surrounds my vegetable plot. The wire fencing gave, then bounced back as the larger-than expected animal threw itself against the wall again and again.

Rabbit? Nope. It was one of these.

Yes, the common and destructive garden woodchuck. This one wasn’t chucking wood. I think I actually interrupted its naptime and caused a bit of panic; they’re usually more nocturnal critters that come out at dusk.

You’re dying to know how I reacted, right? I let out an OMG screech to the tune of “How did you get in there??!!” and then ran in the house to grab La Petite and a camera. By the time we got out there, it had scratched enough of a hole to slide under the fence and escape. I’m glad it got out, despite my lack of Candid Camera documentation. Those teeth were big!

My next challenge is this: shore up the fencing. I think it got in when I forgot to close the gate overnight. Now it’s time to make sure I close the gate (yeah, yeah, yeah) and make sure this enormous rodent (bigger than my bunny Buttercup!!) never finds an entrance again. Begone, Furball!!

The real ones are not this cute, believe me.