Squirrel mishap

[paperdaisy]

I have a query which I hope some of you wildlife experts may be able to shed some light on.

Squirrels are a constant nuisance in my London garden, so about two or three months ago I bought a guaranteed squirrel-proof feeder and positioned there as best I could. About two weeks ago, I noticed that the seed-holding compartment had been knocked to the ground, and reckoned that the squirrels had finally got the better of it.

Then, to my dismay, about a metre from the feeder, I noticed an entire, severed grey squirrel tail lying on the ground! I strongly suspected that the feeder had caused the injury - it seemed too much of a coincidence. I emailed the manufacturer to inform them about this, but their response is that the squirrel must have been attacked by a predator while trying to get at the feeder.

My question is: would it be likely or possible for a predator to attack a squirrel and not leave *any trace* of the creature apart from its tail?

Thanks, Nina

[Pigeon feather]

Hi, sounds as if it may indeed have been the feeder a few years back at the rspca an animal collection officer brought a squirrel proof bird feeder in with a dead squirrel that had got its head stuck through the cage bars on the feeder, most likely strangled or starved to death keep an eye out for the squirrel as you may see it again and then you'll know for sure.

[The Woodman]

Have looked at the product via your link and immediately thought "what a good idea". I could imagine a squirrel trying to overcome its frustration and perhaps leaping onto the nut mesh then climbing on to the guillotine type falling cover, activating it. That way, the tail may have become caught between the cover and the mesh and the exertions of the hapless squirrel caused its tail to either be pulled off or "sawed" off against the edge of the stainless steel cover.
Let us know if your tail less squirrel turns up in your garden.

[paperdaisy]

Yes, every time I see a squirrel now I check to see that it has its tail!

Needless to say I've removed the suspect bird feeder from my garden- squirrels are a nuisance, but I wouldn't wish them any harm ...

[Meles meles]

questions;

1, how was the tail on the floor, hairs still attatched to flesh etc??? or was it all loose.
2, the tail was a metre away from the base on the floor??
3, Any blood around local bush's etc??

From what you have wrote, it sounds like the culprit is the feeding station rather than a predator

[naturelover]

sorry to say this but i would say the feeder is to blame,he got his tail stuck between the top and the bottom and his weight wouldnt release it,being a wild animal he just wanted out and thats the results,well thats what i think anyway,so yes its squirrel proof but it also damages it i bet it dont say that on the box.

[Gill Catton]

I'm not so sure, I worked in a pub years ago and the pub cat once walked in with an entire squirrel tail in its mouth. Oh and a friend's dog did it once with the squirrel running off sans tail.....

It is possible that a predator did it without leaving any other evidence...

[Meles meles]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

I'm not so sure, I worked in a pub years ago and the pub cat once walked in with an entire squirrel tail in its mouth. Oh and a friend's dog did it once with the squirrel running off sans tail.....

It is possible that a predator did it without leaving any other evidence...

Nothing to say that it could not have been a predator.
Just thought, if it was the feeder, surely there will be some hairs tangled on it somewhere???

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by Meles meles

Nothing to say that it could not have been a predator.
Just thought, if it was the feeder, surely there will be some hairs tangled on it somewhere???

that's a good point!

[Meles meles]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

that's a good point!

thanx, sorry takes brain a couple of kick starts some days. Dont know why i did not consider it before, Silly considering i spend hours studying fence lines for hair etc.