Place and Time

What animal made this hole in my yard?

Why several (about 5) little muskrats! These animals look like a beaver with a long rat tail.

They burrowed a long trail that started from the vernal  pool next to my home and exited through the hole on my lawn. I'm sure they had been displaced from their home by the construction in the area. They are cute, but can do damage to home and property. When I came home from a summer vacation, I had my work cut out for me as they had left little brown balls all over my yard. Being so upset, I contacted the state wildlife department and after being passed from person to person, received the advice I didn't want to hear. Unless the muskrats were doing real serious damage, they were  not to be disturbed and would eventually move on. And they have (hopefully).

Muskrats are plant eaters. Since the vernal pool had dried up, their food source had diminished and my yard full of sweet grass was nearby. I hope they don't return next spring.