Need to know what animals are in our backyard -- help!! - Ask Extension
Hello,We have two different types of poop we can't identify actually in our backyard and in the open space right behind our yard. We have 1.5 acres ...
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Need to know what animals are in our backyard -- help!! #380105
Asked December 19, 2016, 1:49 PM EST
Hello,
We have two different types of poop we can't identify actually in our backyard and in the open space right behind our yard. We have 1.5 acres fences in which is what I am referring to as our back yard, with lots of scrub oak, as well as a manicured lawn and gardens closer to the house. The open space behind us is wild with big fields and scrub oak. We live in Castle Pines (North). We have 2 labs - a 14 yr old and a 12 week old. Wanting to be sure what we is going on to know how to keep them safe.
Please see attached photos.
Thanks, Cindy Thomas,<personal data hidden>
We have two different types of poop we can't identify actually in our backyard and in the open space right behind our yard. We have 1.5 acres fences in which is what I am referring to as our back yard, with lots of scrub oak, as well as a manicured lawn and gardens closer to the house. The open space behind us is wild with big fields and scrub oak. We live in Castle Pines (North). We have 2 labs - a 14 yr old and a 12 week old. Wanting to be sure what we is going on to know how to keep them safe.
Please see attached photos.
Thanks, Cindy Thomas,<personal data hidden>
Douglas County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately it is really difficult to identify an animal by it's scat (poop). And while the pictures you sent do a great job showing what it looks like, I have no way to know the scale of the scat. To complicate things even more, animal scat changes based on what the animal is eating, how hydrated it is, which season it is, and if it's sick. So you see how complicated it can be.
Do you notice any other signs in the vicinity? Such as animal footprint tracks, scratching in the dirt or grass, uneaten food? Have you seen any animals that you think may be leaving this scat?
If you want a definitive answer, purchase a trap camera. You can hang it in the area you see the scat. It's a camera that is motion activated and will take a series of pictures, trying to capture a picture of whatever triggered it.
I'm also going to send you a link to an article that shows different types of scat and which animals they belong go. Starting on page 10 you'll see some pictures that you may use to compare with your own photos. http://ecosystems.psu.edu/research/centers/private-forests/outreach/pa-forests-web-seminar-center/ar...
Good luck! I hope you are able to figure out which animals are visiting your yard. If you have any other questions or need any clarifying answers, please let me know.
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately it is really difficult to identify an animal by it's scat (poop). And while the pictures you sent do a great job showing what it looks like, I have no way to know the scale of the scat. To complicate things even more, animal scat changes based on what the animal is eating, how hydrated it is, which season it is, and if it's sick. So you see how complicated it can be.
Do you notice any other signs in the vicinity? Such as animal footprint tracks, scratching in the dirt or grass, uneaten food? Have you seen any animals that you think may be leaving this scat?
If you want a definitive answer, purchase a trap camera. You can hang it in the area you see the scat. It's a camera that is motion activated and will take a series of pictures, trying to capture a picture of whatever triggered it.
I'm also going to send you a link to an article that shows different types of scat and which animals they belong go. Starting on page 10 you'll see some pictures that you may use to compare with your own photos. http://ecosystems.psu.edu/research/centers/private-forests/outreach/pa-forests-web-seminar-center/ar...
Good luck! I hope you are able to figure out which animals are visiting your yard. If you have any other questions or need any clarifying answers, please let me know.
