Take him faaaaaaaaaaaar away. And congratulations on outwitting the critter.

Jim

We had one sitting near the water spigot this April in the early evening. Cute as a button. Haven't had any damage to plants though we have shrubs they supposedly love to eat. I suspect plenty of native foilage to enjoy. Thinking it was near the spigot where water drips and earthworms under the wood chip mulch were an attraction. Not sure though.

It was suggested: Take him faaaaaaaaaaaar away.

...where he can die of starvation.

As a native animal, it may be protected. Learn your options by contacting the Dept of Fish & Wildlife.

Aplodontia rufa is an ancient species unique to our ecosystem.

And probably about as dumb as a post.

Many years ago we kept one, as a pet in our garage for a few years, after catching it (rhododendrons were being clipped down to stubs near the ground). After a time we discovered it would go back to its cage on a shelf well above the garage floor each morning if provided with a ramp. Eventually we let it go in a promising-looking, undeveloped ravine. Of course, we have no idea if it managed to find a new home site there and get situated.

I believe I pointed out the potential flaws in the scheme at the time but being the only child present my concerns were dismissed.

A funny thing is that as an adult I continue to find the same thing happening.