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The apple-eating woodchuck

By JIM NIGRO

 

The woodchuck in the above photo appears to be looking for greens to eat. During the late spring and summer he feasts on selective grasses and clover, not to mention choice morsels from our flowerbeds -- petunias, snapdragons, pansies to name a few. 

Once the fruit from our apple tree starts falling to the ground, as stealthy as can be, he sneaks into the yard in search of apples. Here he's checking to see if the coast is clear.  

Once he locates an apple, he sometimes takes a few bites right where he found it, gnawing away for a moment or two before looking toward the house to make sure he's still dining incognito. He then waddles quickly back to the edge of the brush in case he needs to make a quick getaway. If not disturbed, he'll finish his meal there. 

He always seems to relish the apples, and this one is no exception. He's really getting into it. Maybe he was too into it...

as it appears some of the apple went down the wrong pipe!

Elizabeth Downie

My family affectionately calls them "fat rats" and I so want one! They are so cute and friendly! They cause havoc for farmers and whatnot, but I love these furry creatures... they are beautiful to watch as they run around and munch on their veggies!

Oct 11, 2011, 4:16pm Permalink
Mardell Lamb

Love your post, Jim. Great pics as always. The deer have been congregating around the old sour apple tree at my house. Now and then I see "Woody" come out from under the neighbors barn to steal a few.

Oct 11, 2011, 5:27pm Permalink
JIM NIGRO

Thanks, Mardell - a number of furry critters come into our yard to enjoy the apples, including rabbits, red squirrels, gray squirrels, etc. But the most intriguing four legged critter to watch was our late golden retriever named Bill. In his latter years he simply picked the apples from the ground, but in his prime, between the ages of 3-5, he would spring into the air and pluck the apples from the lower branches.

Oct 11, 2011, 11:31pm Permalink

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