What Animal Is This?

Daisy6

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As usual when Daisy looked outside for backyard wildlife, I could not see anything. I said there is nothing there . . . and then saw a brown thing with two black dots near the top. It sat on my patio like a frog, but looks like a mouse on flippers. I could not see separate elvows and feet in its front limbs; ithey closely resemble a seal or sea lion. It has ticked brown fur. The snout and tai match those of a mouse or rat. Any ideas what it could be?
 
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Daisy6

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I forgot ot mention it does not have mouse ears. They can only be seen from side views.
 
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Daisy6

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No, it looks like moles don't have eyes or legs.
 

MeganLLB

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Also what general part of the world do you live in cuz that could narrow it down. Like North America? UK? MidWest?
Is it a prarie dog?
 

jinxybean

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Opossum? Their fur color varies by animal but they have black dots of fur at their ears, and a rat like nose and tail.

 
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Daisy6

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More like how small. It is smaller.than a mouse.

I live in north-central Florida, where it never snows.
 
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Daisy6

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Opossum? Their fur color varies by animal but they have black dots of fur at their ears, and a rat like nose and tail.
No, it has white ears pressed against the sides of its head.
 
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Daisy6

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I Googled shrew. It could be that.
 

FlawlessImperfection

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A baby Nutria? They are larger than rats, but very common in Florida and have the feet you mentioned. They have beaver like teeth in adulthood.
Does that sound like it, or it could be a vole or another rodent?
 
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Daisy6

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LOL That thing looks like it is screaming at the camrea.

So far the most accurate guess is shrew.
 
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Daisy6

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The animal was back tonight. I saw it at the last second before it ran off my patio. It amazes me that cats see things outside at night that are not room refelctions. I almost missed it.
 

FlawlessImperfection

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Now you must get a picture lol! Have you ever seen the movie Caddy Shack? You should deck yourself in camo and sticks and leaves, of course you should wear a helmet for safety... and make sure you’re neighbors can see you! :camera:
I found a couple more pictures, when they are babies their ears are tight black spots to their head......but the last is my favorite!
I hope you have that one! ;):popcorn:
Ok, you should probably sleep outside and become one with nature! :anticipation:
Whatever it is, catch it for us!! (And give your neighbors something to gossip about for the next couple decades!)
Aren’t you such a good sport! :rock:


 

FlawlessImperfection

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Oh and here’s a shrew.
They scare me.:fear:
Take explosives outside.:shocked:
He looks like he impale you with his nose.:eek3:
Like a Narwhal. :fish:
Good luck, Soldier.:salute:
 

KarenKat

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A baby Nutria? They are larger than rats, but very common in Florida and have the feet you mentioned. They have beaver like teeth in adulthood.
Does that sound like it, or it could be a vole or another rodent?
Well, now I know what shape my nightmares will be tonight. That animal is hideous! Wouldn't want to run into that alone in a dark alley at night ...
 

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So small, rodent-like face, small ears, brown ticked fur. What was the tail like? How did it move?

It could have been a ground squirrel, gopher, pocket mouse, kangaroo rat, vole, shrew, mole...They all come in brown and all contain species that have small ears that are visible only from the side.
 
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