When I went for a walk yesterday, I thought at first I was looking at a stray black cat that has been hanging around our farmyard. But this was not the shape of a cat. And it silently glided into the woods.

I followed it as quietly as I could, but it was watching me the whole time.

I was fortunate enough to get quite close.

The melanistic, or black, colouring on a woodchuck, is relatively rare. I hope I get to see this beautiful creature again.