At night we have this "critter" running around. What is it?

Question

I saw a glimpse of the end and it looked like a HUGE rat tail. By the looks of the length of the tail, the critter seemed about the size of a cat. We put out rat poison but the critter just eats it as a snack. We live in California and the critter only seems to come out at night. We have had rats, but this seemed much too large to be a rat. What are some possible animals that could be running around in my backyard? E-mail me with any clarity questions.

It's weird but I did some research and it seemed to look like this animal
http://www.conceitedindependence.com/Nutria.shtml
But it's odd because I live in California and it shouldn't be common here.

It also kind of wobbled as it walked.

Answer 1

It does sound like an opossom

http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professional-trapper/images/opossum.jpg

there's a pic.

I had one that lived in my parent's garage we called "Snow white" Because he was an albino.

What we did was have a wildlife rehibilitator live trap it for us.

They took him home with them to make sure he was healthy and when they guaranteed he was... I went with them to watch him be released back in the wild.

Its more humane to leave it to the experts. Not only does it give the creature a chance to survive... but it keeps you from being injured by the animal if its sick or angry, and any house hold pets from getting into the rat posion.

Answer 2

My first thought, as well as everyone else's, is to say an opossum, of course. They are all over California and are the only naked tailed creature that big. And they can get BIG.

I suppose it could be a nutria as you have thought. I am thinking that they would not be in most of California but they certainly could be. If you live near water it is certainly a possibility. I saw a pair up in Oregon. They are about the size of an opossum. They were fun to watch.

I think it would be fun to set out food for it and stay up with a flood light and camera and get a picture of it. Either nutria or opossum, stay away from it. Opossum are known for being vicious and having lots of needle-sharp teeth and I can imagine that nutria would give a nasty bite as well. Have some fun and try it!

Answer 3

why would you put rat poison out? Especially if you have no idea what it is? How incredibly irresponsible and inhumane. it's probably an opossum anyways, and rat poison only works because rats can't vomit to rid themselves of the poison and it is a slow excruciating death for any animal. Is this critter bothering you? is it damaging your property? leave it alone and enjoy a bit of nature in your back yard.

Answer 4

Virginia opossum. The adults look like huge rats with white face. Half-grown ones have stripes still. Tail is naked. They are dumb as a box of rocks.

Answer 5

Sounds like yyou have an opposum. Not sure on the spelling. If it looks like a big rat and moves a t a wobble that's probably what it is.

Answer 6

Google the website "enature" and type in your zip code - this will give you lists of animals found in your area. It starts with birds but you can cange the selection to mammals.

If the tail wasn't hairy, it might be a muskrat if those are found in your area.

Answer 7

It's probably an opossum. They are very common in California.

Answer 8

opossum
google opossum and look at images.
I live in CA, had one walking along our fence one night, since they are gross vermin and we have pets we didnt want it in our yard so my husband knocked it off into the neighbors yard with a broom, it put up a nasty fight though lol. (our neighbors are jerks so they deserved it lol).
You should maybe call animal control to come get it since they can carry rabies and other diseases.

Answer 9

could be a young opossum... you might want to try setting a humane trap and seeing if you catch anything, and if you do, release it far away from your home. good luck.

Answer 10

prolly a possum