My neighbor and I saw a black rodent in her garden. It was the size of a chipmunk, and peanut-shaped (narrow waist), but it was entirely BLACK. We did not see a tail of any kind, but it was running thru 1-2" tall vegetation, so maybe it was dragging its tail and we couldn't see it. It disappeared into a clump of daylilies. Both of our dogs, who LOVE bunnies & squirrels, weren't the least bit interested.

If you can get a picture of the animal if you see it again, you can send the photo to me at lkammin@illinois.edu and I'll ID it for you.

I too am curious. I've seen the same animal in my yard too. What was it? Thanks!

I didn't receive a photo from Ms. Levine, so I'm not sure what type of animal she saw. But there are melanistic chipmunks, and they look just like regular chipmunks except that their fur is black. I'd love to see a photo if you ever have the opportunity to get a photo of the animal in your yard.

Saw a black chipmunk on des plaines river trail just south of Dundee