Dropping ID

Alex90 · #1 (**permalink**) 15-08-2010, 10:19 PM

I was hoping someone might be able to give me an idea of what species is likely to have deposited the droppings desrcibed below.

While out looking for Hares on saturday i cam across several "latrine" like holes which had several piles of droppings in them"

The droppings were wet/loose and around 2 inches x 2cm in size (complete size) they appeared to contain seeds from the crop fields they were in.

Found around the edges of several fields.

Any further details you need let me know and i'll do my best to describe. My thought was badgers?

Alex

mbaldw · #2 (**permalink**) 16-08-2010, 07:38 AM

I'd agree, Alex. I'd go for badgers; they're the only species I know of who leave their droppings in latrine pits.

Cheers,
Marc.

healfdan · #3 (**permalink**) 16-08-2010, 01:29 PM

Clasic badger open latrines used to mark territory. Anal gland secretions mixed with faeces are deposited to warn off other badgers.
Healfdan

Alex90 · #4 (**permalink**) 16-08-2010, 07:08 PM

in which case there must be a hell of a lot of badgers around where i was walking!

Saw several very fresh looking piles too so i'd imagine they were from the morning a few hours before i got there.

Thanks

Alex