Oh GAWD
I needed old decayed compost for some planting this morning.
I had found some at the side of the compost box yesterday.

I figured if I could move the top fresh layer to one side it would expose the decayed stuff I needed.

I lifted the lid and started to spread the shredded papers,coffee grounds,old broccoli etc when a quick dart caught my eye

.It was the vole that has been at the banquet table of household vegetation leavings, all winter.
I had seen it months ago when emptying our bucket.
It disappeared down the side so I continued to scrape and chop and turn the fresh top layer.

When I got to the good stuff and dug in

.I turned over a nest of babies
.Eight or so tossed among dead boquets. I even think I sliced a couple.

Yikes, Jo Ann: what an unpleasant composting adventure. Guess gardening isn't for the faint of heart, is it????

I guess if they are eating your compost they are not eating the garden ... but the multiplying thing

They seem to have moved out.

Oh no I hope not into your garden?

You need to borrow my golden retriever, Jake. Within the last year, Jake has caught 3 voles, a raccoon, a possum, a squirrel (yes, Jake is THAT fast), and a shrew (ugliest creature ever). In spite of all that--he is afraid of rabbits Seriously--if he sees a rabbit in the yard, he won't go off of the patio and backs cautiously toward the patio door to come back in. Having a good retriever is a mixed blessing. Sometimes they bring you things you'd rather not see

Oh man, I share your frustration! Not that we have voles that I'm aware, but with composting-gone-awry. I've been composting in piles (and baby pools, 55-gallon drums, big trash can, holes poked in the bottom, whatever's handy) for many years and usually it's gone great. We made a HUGE open pile at the end of last year and there was nothing left after the ants ate it. I think part of the problem was the abundance of pine needles DH's Mom donated, but I'm not making any more piles, just mulching with the organic matter as the first and last step. Icky kitchen stuff, slightly buried where there's a hole between plants. It's going great, and my back appreciates it too, and still no OM leaves the yard (edited to add - unless it's thorny!)

The images my mind conjured up!!! I could just see your face and the expression on it Jo Ann! --- --- --- ---

and this is me:----

a sad serious and somehow funny story all at the same time indeed...

Ohhh yes and now that I know they hold upin that box for winter quarters I will be on the look out for them.

I haven't had it in my compost but I've found a nest with babies in the garden and under the straw bales. Have to get the guys to do them in, I don't have the stomach for it.

I understand.I'm sure there will be another family in the box next winter.