What mammal could this be?

maree1975 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-01-2010, 01:54 PM

We keep seeing faeces in our garden and in the graveyard next to us with red berries in it and also with nuts in it from our bird feeders (I leave nuts on the ground as well). The piles are larger than a cats, more like a dogs. Does anyone know what would leave this? We have seen foxes in the graveyard.
Many thanks
Maree

Ukwildlifeo · #2 (**permalink**) 12-01-2010, 01:57 PM

I would say fox, they do eat a surprising amount of fruit and berries

steviebabes · #3 (**permalink**) 12-01-2010, 02:03 PM

Most likely to be a fox, this time of year they eat more fruit and berries as mice/voles are harder to find. Sounds a bit disgusting but fox poo (especially from the males) does smell very pungent, so if they smell really bad then that should confirm it. A definition of "really bad" is in the nose of the beholder though!

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 12-01-2010, 02:38 PM

Sounds like a fox, although to be sure could you get a photo and exact size please?

Wild-Woman · #5 (**permalink**) 12-01-2010, 06:32 PM

I would suggest fox too, especially if it's accompanied with the strong and musky smell of the urine. Once smelt never forgotten.

maree1975 · #6 (**permalink**) 13-01-2010, 10:20 AM

Thank you for your replies. The prints in the snow are twice as big as my cats prints so as you said it looks like a fox. Is there anything I can leave out for them in this cold weather?

Tringa · #7 (**permalink**) 13-01-2010, 06:30 PM

I'd go with fox too, but unless the snow has melted a bit and made the prints look big, I'm a bit surprised by the size you mention for the paw prints. The first time I saw a fox print I was surprised by how small they were.

Vixen1982 · #8 (**permalink**) 14-01-2010, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maree1975

Thank you for your replies. The prints in the snow are twice as big as my cats prints so as you said it looks like a fox. Is there anything I can leave out for them in this cold weather?

Awwww lucky you to have foxes near by. They do need a little extra help in this weather and leading upto cubbing. The best thing to leave out for them is jam butties, peanut butter butties ( a cheap homebrand loaf and jars of jam ect) this way Mr n Mrs Fox will eat it but cats shudnt be tempted! Thank you for wanting to look after your local foxes