So when we were out for a drive on Saturday, we come across a spot where everyone is slowing down.
There's a small fuzzy animal crossing the road, and to avoid killing it everyone slows down and lets it pass. Now normals one might just say nothing, and let it go on it's merry way, But because it was crossing right in front of the local pet store, one thinks 'Is it an animal from the Pet store? Should we do something?' Well, me and my wife decided we should do something. Ok, she was more concerned than me, but I got out, and went to see. There was another couple there too, with their son. Taking a look, wondering what it was, and what to do. A smaller Fuzzy Brown Rodent. Clearly it was not a rat, and it didn't look exactly like anything I was familiar with. It was Clean, and glossy furred. It must be from the pet store. So I went closer. It was trying to go through the chain link fence, but it was not working for it. so it started to move along the fence. when it got closer to me, it stopped. I looked close. Then it moved a little towards me. 'Must be ok with people. It's coming towards me'
No I crouch down, lower my hand, to let it smell me, and see what it does. Ouch! Bite me, that's what it does. It doesn't really hurt, but it bled. Got me right on the heel of my thumb. you know, right where if it had been an inch further and I would have been bleeding alot more. So I'm standing there, looking at this animal that bit me. I'm not mad, It's my fault. Still not having 100% clued in that it likely isn't from the pet store. I've been bit by a hamster, so it wasn't a stretch. it scratches at my pants, then backs off a few inches. Then it bites my shoe. I shake my foot mildly to get it to let go. It takes a few seconds. Nothing but rubber though. The couple try and phone animal control, but they get no-one. That's a Saturday evening in winter for you. They send their son to the adjacent A&W to get some napkins, for my bleeding. Eventually the creature decides to go. Only one direction left open. It goes to embankment a few feet away, and stops before taking the 8-10 foot plunge into the shallow snow below. Landing it scurries under the pine tree. Safe and away from the evil people.
At the hospital there was a paramedic. From the description, he thought it might have been a Pine Martin. When I looked photos up, one we got home, I found It was not. From the best I can tell, It was a mink. Explains how an out door animal can have such nice fur. So, even if it's next to the pet store, don't try and see it it's friendly. It's be fine. They are wild animals. Lesson Learned.
Oh, and I guess the only animals in BC with rabies are bats, so no worry there.
