friend...or foe?

Recently I was enjoying a picnic with some friends on a sunny day when this terrifying creature (pictured at left) crossed our paths. I think he must be a groundhog, but the company I was keeping argued otherwise. They refer to him as a "magic beaver" who will grant your wish if you chase him away. I think they were just high. But who is this fascinating little beast? Where did he come from? Why would he attempt to join our picnic and then refuse the feast that we offered him? In the immortal words of mon ami: "I am going to give that hole-hog a piece of my cookie." Truer words were never spoken...