Badger or Rabbit hole?

[Bishop]

Came across this on my wanderings today, what do you think?
a. Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog
b. Boot Eating Badger



Photo doesn't really do it justice, the mystery hole is about 14 inches across and eight high.
The shoe is size 8 and thankfully nobody has been reported missing in the area recently.

 

[Robbi]

it's a badger and the shoe belonged to Samon !!

 

[THOaken]

Looks like a badger sett indeed. Fairly large, slight curved shape inwards, mound at the top and some spoil outside. Any idea what class based on surrounding landscape?

 

[Bishop]

Predominantly Beech woodland, adjacent to grazing pasture. Steeply sloped terrain 35-40 degree. Extensive network of holes but this is the first time I have seen evidence of digging. Lots of leaf litter and fern cover so alas no luck spotting any tracks of the beastie yet.

 

[Robbi]

might be slightly concerning that they have dug up a shoe......what else is down there ?

 

[JamPan]

There's quite a few badger sets where I wander about. Intact some of them are so big I think actual bears might live in them!

 

[sunndog]

I'v seen old setts that i could crawl into, if i was brave/stupid enough (i am not lol)

 

[Polecatsteve]

In fairness most badger sets Iv seen have a load more earth moved about. I'd say a fox that's taken a rabbit hole over. Leave some bramble briars round the edge, check what colour fur gets left. Badger sets are very clean so ID from droppings is hard. Maybe clear some soil at the entrance, lightly rake it and try get a paw print?

You may end up with a size 8 paw print though. In which case run.

 

[falcon]

In fairness most badger sets Iv seen have a load more earth moved about. I'd say a fox that's taken a rabbit hole over. Leave some bramble briars round the edge, check what colour fur gets left. Badger sets are very clean so ID from droppings is hard. Maybe clear some soil at the entrance, lightly rake it and try get a paw print?

You may end up with a size 8 paw print though. In which case run.

My thought too....you can usually find evidence of bedding removed from a badger sett which may well be there out of camera shot. Otherwise could well be fox as suggested

 

[shindig]

Agree, not enough bedding for a badger set.


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[BorderReiver]

Could well be a standard rabbit hole that has been enlarged by an enthusiastic dog having a dig. I have seen this in action many times.

Hearing a spaniel barking underground is quite amusing.