What can I smell...?

[Finch]

Sounds bizare I know, but I was hoping someone might be able to shed some light on something please!!

I went out this morning, and on my return, in the garden I smelt, what I would describe as rotten apples, tangy, but musty, mixed with a damp sort of smell straw mebe. I was only gone for about two hours, and it definately wasn't there when I went out, only on my return. It was smelt about half eight ish. It was sort of in a trail I guess, as in I smelt it, then moved forward a couple of paces and couldn't, but I could backtract and pick it up again. (Must have looked a right sight) I went out again about 20 minutes later to see if I could still smell it, I couldn't at head height, but could faintly if I bent down.

My thoughts are fox, I have smelt fox before (and been informed thats what it was) but I can't recall it. I am in a very rural position, and know there is one around, having seen her (I think) just up the road (half mile) late one night when driving home. BUT, they are very very scared of humans, having been hunted round here in the past, so I doubt one would firstly come into the garden, and secondly, not only come into the garden, but also in daylight.

My other thought was deer, we have muntjac and roe around here. I know they scent mark, but am not sure if humans could smell it that strongly...

Sorry for the long post, I'm just very intrigued!

[Dogghound]

Interesting post, i would agree either fox or deer, best to look for droppings footprints etc? theres always the chance its drifted over from a farm or neighbour.

[shei111]

Hello finch welcome to WAB, I reckon its muntjac from my experience . sheila

[Finch]

Thanks guys! My mum reckons its the bark chippings shes just put down, they do smell weird, but not quite the same... Oh well, I'll keep my eyes peeled anyway!!