Mischief on the Back Porch

A few years ago, I awoke  from a lovely spring or fall nap in time to feed Miss Mabel. I went to the back porch and was shocked to find that something had eaten through the handle in the lid of the trashcan where her food was stored! It was even more disturbing to me that the can was stored under a bathroom window mere feet from my bed. The gnawing never woke either one of us!

I repaired the handle with lots of duct tape and moved the can across the porch and rarely thought about it. When I did, I often wondered what type of creature could do that. I knew it wasn't a coon... they actually try to open the lid and even turn the can over. I finally decided it must be a rat but I thought it odd that with all the rats that can come in off the canal, none had tried it again.

And then yesterday, I got my answer! About 5:30, I went out to get Mabel's bowl and found a mess on the porch! The duct tape had been eaten away and an even larger hole was now in the can! Knowing that I had a hungry pooch waiting, I reached in the bag to scoop out some food and... IT MOVED!  I looked down into the trash can and found a squirrel! I had seen a squirrel earlier in the week at the fountain by the shop. Now that I have that working again... the fences being fixed have inspired me a bit...I guess the water sound is attracting critters.

Since the squirrel was behind the food bag, I quickly scooped some kibble and placed the lid back on the can. I just love that the little guy didn't really plan his meal out; he got a way in but with the slick, straight sides, he couldn't get out. I occupied Mabel by feeding her dinner inside the house. I took the lid off the can and tilted it over. Even though I had my camera at the ready... he was gone in a flash.

I taped an old credit card over the opening and decided to add a layer of aluminum foil. As cute as he is, I hope he finds another buffet!