Winter fauna
Just because it’s winter and the ice-fishers are out doesn’t mean all the Madison fauna disappear. I surprise rabbits pretty regularly in the mornings walking to work.
Coming home today I came to an abrupt halt about eighteen inches away from a muskrat who was ferreting about somebody’s front stoop for whatever reason. They’re attractive animals, really; this one had russet fur shading nearly to black underneath. Shame about that tail, admittedly.
I think he’d have been happier if I’d kept going instead of stopping to stare at him. He trundled up and over the snow to disappear under the steps.