Heart attack at the bird feeder

The bird feeder was empty once again today. I swear that this was like the second time this week I'd refilled it! Must be some hungry birds.

So, I get the feeder down from its pole, and put it on the bench. I unscrew the top and what jumps out by a very live rat! I screamed and backed away, whlie the rat scurried up the hill. I guess now I know where the bird seed was going! Maybe I'll wear leather gloves next time I refill it...