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My back garden seems to be host to some kind of rodent, which is living
on seed that I put out for the birds. I dont see it for very long so
cannot describe it in detail, because it darts out from behind the shed
eats a seed or two and then retreats just as quickly.

My initial instinct is that it is a rat, but it does not have what I
would call a rats 'face' which is pointed and similar to a mouse (only
much larger). It has more of a rounded head, like a grey squirrel. In
fact its head and body are very squirrel -like and of a similar size,
but it has a long rats tail.

Squirrels do not dart out and retreat, they come out and taunt you whilst
stealing that which is valuable to you.

Should I be concerned? Do I need to call the council exterminator, or
maybe hire the neighbours Jack Russell? Or is it just some harmless
species that I have not come across before?

I would call in the council expert, if it is a rodent, then he will be
able to deal with it without harming other animals, if it proves to be
something harmless then you have the choice of letting it live or die,
I'm not fond of any animal which may be living in or under my shed!

If you decide to try to trap the animal, live traps can be obtained from
Mole Valley Farmers who have branches all over the South West, the one
I use is in Bridgewater.

--
Alan

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