Surprise in our Umbrella!

United States
September 8, 2009 7:28am CST
For a few weeks, I've been noticing droppings on our picnic table... I kept telling DH "there's some kind of rodent thing hanging out on the table." Since our house borders conservation land, we didn't think much of it - just hosed down the table and forgot about it. Well, we didn't really forget, we were curious about WHAT kind of creature would be bold enough to sit on our picnic table, that is ON our deck, right off the kitchen?? Be bold enough to sit there long enough to do it's business... Well we found out yesterday because we opened up the umbrella that hangs over the table. IT WAS A BAT!! He was living in the closed up umbrella - probably a great place for him to be - there is always tons of moths, grasshoppers and spiders living up in there! I didn't get to see it, my DH has the job of opening the umbrella... he said it was rather big, but still probably just a fruit bat. He came calling me to get a net - he wanted to show our son (who's 4). I'm sort of glad it got away before he could see it... but you could actually SEE the disappointment on DH face that he didn't catch it to show our son... Anyone ever been surprised by critters living so close to us??
2 responses
k1tten
@k1tten (2318)
• United States
12 Sep 09
I would have never expected it have been a bat. I find it interesting though that it was. And I can just imagine how many citters are attracted to your kitchen light too in the evening that the little bat may find nummy. I think that I wouldn't chase him off because he's helpful to everything there around your home.
Raven7317
@Raven7317 (691)
• United States
14 Sep 09
Hi Kitten, thanks for the response! Yeah, we never thought of a bat... I was thinking something like a bunch of chipmunks or squirrels were hanging out, having a party on our table! There was alot of poop! LOL Bats never crossed my mind... But you're right, I won't chase him off, I think they eat bugs so whatever they can do about the mosquitos and moths is greatly appreciated!
maximax8
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
8 Sep 09
Wow! It was so special that the fruit bat made a home in your umbrella. I live near a river and sometimes frogs surprise me in my garden. Once I came across a hedgehog where my mom used to live.
Raven7317
@Raven7317 (691)
• United States
8 Sep 09
Yeah, I thought it was cool too... I'm happy that we live in an area where we can see nature and it's beautiful creations... We've watched wild turkeys cross our front yard, deer prance down the street, we have hawks, coyotes, boar, rabbits... and of course the common critters, raccoons, skunks, foxes, snakes, turtles and frogs. My son is only 4 and he gets a huge kick out of spotting things and thinks he's such a BIG MAN when he runs up and shoves a frog or something in my face! LOL Thanks for the response.