Help A Newcomer Out With A Varmint

[Paladin]

We've been in the Castle Pines area for just about a year, now; moved up here from Texas. This morning I was looking out at the back yard when a couple of fast-moving critters streaked across the top of our fence line. They appeared to be rat-sized, and they were black-and-white colored. Can anybody identify what I saw? That black-and-white thing has me mystified. Thanks.....

[Crunchy Frog]

1. The only thing I can think is skunks. n/t

[Paladin]

2. That's What I Initially Thought.....

...but these things I saw were really hauling ass across that fence top, much faster than any skunk I've ever witnessed. I don't know if there are any black-and-white rats in Colorado, but rat-like speed and furtiveness is what it looked like, to me.

I appreciate your response.

[blondie58]

3. gosh, that has me puzzled, also

and I am a native, but I don't know of anything like what you've described. If not a skunk, I wonder if it isn't some time of marmot? Or maybe someone's escaped pet ferret? Maybe you could call animal control- it is a valid question, as it might not be good if your pet encountered this critter. This looks like a good source to contact http://www.castlepinesvillage.org/plantswildlife.htm Good luck with your search and let us know if you find out!

[Paladin]

4. What A Great Site

I had no idea it existed; I may have to bookmark it for future reference. And I'll contact them about the varmints I saw. Thanks.

[Paladin]

5. Mystery Solved, I Think

I talked to a wildlife officer today, and she told me that what I more-than-likely saw was a pair of Woodrats (aka Packrats). There are several varieties in the area, some of which have white fur on portions of their bodies.

Thanks to everybody for your thoughts and suggestions.

[blondie58]

6. wow- thanks for the update, Paladin

and how fun to have had their little "show" going on on your back fence, anyway. Isn't wildlife fun?

[Paladin]

7. We're LOVING The Wildlife In Our Neighborhood......

....especially the red foxes. My God, what beautiful animals. And here in our developed, busy, suburban neighborhood, they're all over the place. We see them walking in pairs down the sidewalks, in broad daylight; no evident fear whatsoever. Lots of rabbits, too---which probably explains the foxes' well-fed look.

Back before the onset of winter, we were driving down to Castle Rock one evening for something to eat; I looked over to a field adjoining I-25 and there must have been 30 elk there, lying down and taking their ease. The setting sun reflected off the bulls' horns; absolutely glorious. And all this, right next to the busiest freaking highway in the state, and within a short distance of developed subdivisions. Like I say, we're loving it......

[blondie58]

8. ah, urban wildlife

I live in northwest Arvada, about fifteen minutes from Boulder and we see a lot of things here, too. No elk, though. I am always happy to see someone appreciate wildlife, as we invaded their turf.

We have had a coyote "problem" here in the affluent Westwoods neighborhood and it saddens me to hear people talk of killing these beautiful creatures. They are only doing what they were programmed to do, if a pet owner leaves their pet outside in such an area, it is unfortunate, but not unexpected.

Of course, I must add that I am a big animal lover and I am addicted to theis new blog http://dailycoyote.blogspot.com/- the story of a woman in Wyoming who took in a ten day old coyote pup and he lives with her and her cat in a one room cabin in Wyoming. SHe is a very talented photographer and it is well worth a visit.

[Paladin]

9. Another Nice Wildlife Site

Thanks for passing it along.