Our patio is enclosed by a wall with several opening along the ground-line for drainage. To keep the critters out, the openings are covered with a wire mesh. 
Because the patio is enclosed, it’s great for our cat, Kika, especially since she is not a “jumper.” She loves being outside with us, but each time on the patio, she walks the parameter obviously picking up a scent. Sometimes she spends time staring at one of the drainage holes. We knew we were sharing our patio with some kind of critter. Occasionally, I would see something moving quickly out of the side of my eye. Since pack rats are common in the desert, I figured we were being visited by a pack rat.
Then one day I saw the rear of something going into the corner hole and disappearing. Since the wire mesh blocked exit from the hole, I figured it went up inside the concrete block wall. So, I placed bricks in front of the hole and removed the wire mesh so the critter could exit the patio only. The next day I noticed that something had dug under the bricks. I also noticed similar diggings around the sago palm planter.
I continued to think the critter living on the patio was a pack rat, that is until yesterday when we saw something moving under the patio table. Taking a closer look, I could see the animal was a round-tail ground squirrel.
While getting my camera, the squirrel scampered over to one of the wall holes. When I got too close, the squirrel would go up into the wall, so I backed off and waited.
After awhile the squirrel reappear from inside the block wall, surveying the area. I could tell she was trying to get to was a more comfortable place.
She moved under one of the patio planters, looked around and began running to the corner wall hole.
Where was Kika? In the house sleeping. — Images by kenne
different from our squirrels here in Canada.. cute.. sleek…ours are bushy tailed and chatter when annoyed with humans etc.
I know what you are talking about, being from the mid-west. Plus, we have bushy trailed squirrels in the nearby mountains. Thanks for the comment.
These guys are so cute, like little prairie dogs. I’m not sure if they really do any damage; hopefully they are nice garden companions.
I was pleased to find that the critter on the patio was not a pack rat. I see these guys out at Sabino all the time.
Nice captures, especially of the skittish squirrel! Most of them hate having their picture taken, lol!
You are so right — they are camera shy. Thanks.