Thanks for all your suggestions guys!

I talked with a wildlife control specialist and he said most likely it was a pair of squirrels looking for nesting materials. He thought it was unlikely that it would happen again but suggested a repellent I could use if needed. Am hoping he is right!

Will be getting my Mini back this afternoon. The dealership did not mention what the cost would have been to replace it... but it does require the sunroof to be removed so am sure it is a fairly involved process.

 

I found a professional who can help if you continue to have issues. He specializes in burrowing rodents, but I am sure that he can help with the arboreal species as well.

 

Caddyshack!! Great movie! "Au revoir, gopher!"

Picked up Bella tonight. They did a great job replacing the gasket. You'd never know the furry little buggers had been munching on it. Thanks Motorwerks!!

 

Searched the forum for torn/damaged sun roof gaskets and found this thread. That initial photo looks exactly like my roof gasket - 9" just gone on the front center, then another 7 spots around the perimeter with 1-2" torn gaps, including two on the back edge of the front glass panel. The car is always parked inside and there was no sign of critter tracks. I was wondering why I was suddenly getting a lot of wind noise!

Apparently, the entire sun roof assembly needs to be removed to replace the gasket, so off to the dealer. Way out of warranty, so bringing lots of $$, unfortunately ...

 

Update on my post ...l
Turns out a rather macho raven saw his reflection in the glass and tore up the seal trying to get at the competition. He had been observed before battering away at side mirrors on volunteer/visitor cars at the Forest Service visitor center where I volunteer. I submitted the $1100 repair bill to the Forest Service - which they regretfully declined - but they did shoot the offending bird.

 

Some animals actually know their own reflection is their own, elephants and dolphins know it's their own reflection. This morning I didn't know who I was looking at.