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Warning- disturbing, graphic images of a dead animal ahead.

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Still here? Okay then…

I woke up the other morning and thought I saw something strange on the front lawn. Still in my pajamas, I asked the husband to investigate. He came back inside with a strange look and a reticence to tell me what he’d found. After much shuffling of feet and stalling.. he told me Momma woodchuck had been killed.

I couldn’t believe it. She’s a tough old lady and I literally watched her chase off a fox last year.

Much as I didn’t want to, I had to see for myself.

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Poor thing.

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Something… coyote? fisher?… had ripped it apart. But as awful as it was, I told my husband the good news. It wasn’t momma chuck.

He thought I was nuts and proceeded to deal with the corpse. He said I couldn’t possibly tell one woodchuck from another … but I knew.

And a few hours later?

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Momma chuck and her baby enjoying some leftover deer grain.

Silly man. He should never doubt my ability to identify the critters I feed.

❤️

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Fair warning – our baby chuckers are on the move and there will be a plethora of photographs in the near future.

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I just can’t get enough of their little paws.

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The siblings stick closely together.

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Though the occasional squabble over prime fruit and veg does occur.

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This is the runt of the litter.

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And it must be hard when the buffet is bigger than you.

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But damn, he’s a cute little bugger.

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Momma chuck has been bellying up the buffet as soon as it’s laid.

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And though we offer tasty treats…

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She always seems to be scowling.

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The speed at which she can devour a sliced carrot is truly impressive.

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But she’s none too pleased when junior joins her and starts chowing down.

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