Say hello to my li'l friend!

The grass in this picture is slightly-shaggy lawn length, which gives you a feel for just how tiny this youngster is -- about squirrel size, though with a more delicately shaped head.

And the position of the tail gives you a feel for just how much my tiny friend cares about relative sizes.

And little people know
When little people fight
We may look easy pickings
But we've got some bite

It did occur to me that this incredibly cute little critter was at an age where, with some slow, cautious feeding and gentle coaxing, you could end up with a house pet that wouldn't spray. I know people who have done just that.

However, not being out of my mind, I made this as an observation and not something upon which to act.

And in any case, this encounter happened about a mile from the house, which is a good thing, since I suspect mon petit Gavroche, if encountered in our backyard, would have no scruples against showing Des and Ziwa what lies beneath that fluffy white plume.