Every evening we can hear it. Something rustling around in our (inaccessible) attic. A slot about 4" x 8" has been chewed open through the siding close to the roof. I am pretty sure it's a raccoon because when the sounds stop, there he is, sitting on the railing. It sounds like he is shredding his way over towards the deck where the bird seed is. We've already started removing the bird food at dusk to discourage it.

The slot is a couple feet up from where an access opening should be through the ceiling about 15' off the steep ground.

Suggestions??

Could be a pack rat

Any suggestions? Yes, call Dean at Nuisance Wildlife Removal and Relocation: (303) 588 - 1869.

Sounds like you've figured out what's getting in there, but MamaBea's right, it could also be a pack rat. In VA we also had squirrels get up under the eaves. Basically, anything rodent like can get in a space like that if they're determined enough.

I hope you get it resolved soon. Let us know!

we have a few chipmunks that have nested between floors, but they are mostly sleeping right now. Squirrels are nesting right now. Just remember if a wildlife pro catches certain wildlife in our state, they are required to put it down (rabies). If you call Dean, find out the options if you care about not killing whatever it is.

Patience and a .22 should do the trick.

Why is this thread triggering a mental image of a bad horror movie, something like "It Came From the Attic"?

just a little critter trying to get out of the cold. I share as long as there is no destruction. if so, then I relocate.

Why is it that the scariest thing that immediately came to mind was a tax auditor??? And then I pictured myself leaving out a peanut butter sandwich and a bowl of water for him/her?

WileyFox, you're right about checking beforehand if there is any hesitation about having the animal possibly put down. I worry that anything in the rodent family might chew through wires if they have access, but if not, and you can put up with the rustling/chewing noise...

Not much noise the past few days. Hopefully, he found a better home. My concern is that my insulation sounded like it was being shredded. I didn't realize animal handlers were required to put them down.

that may be all it was doing, was getting nesting material.

The ground squirrels take insulation from our detached garage walls (inside) for nesting material

I keep a pillow (with one side open) out on our back deck full of batting material for all of the rodents that want nesting material. I replinish "inventory" as needed. Otherwise, they would most likely tear open other pillows

Clever idea. I had an old lawn chair cushion that had a hole chewed in it. I know who the culprit it is, now.