Whose poos?

[KirsteenA]

Beside a hill burn on island of Mull (so a number of mainland species not present) about 1 mile in from coast, 500 feet above sea level. Spot not frequented by people - or their dogs. Two lots deposited within ten strides of one another. One lot absolutely fresh, faint fishy smell if any discernible scent (though everyone had colds...), other lot seemed a fair bit older. Wellies size 6.

 

[bobnewboy]

Given the location etc, Otter?

 

[mousey]

cat poop?

I've seen some wildcat poop look suspiciously similar to that, no one is sure if there is a wildcat population or not on Mull.

 

[KirsteenA]

It was my first thought, the shore is well populated in this area - but surprised an otter would frequent what seems a far less well-resourced spot.

 

[KirsteenA]

I'd expect wildcat to be quite stinky? After the first cautious sniffs I ruled out any cat/dog possibilities. There could be wildcat http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8656855.stm but there are bloody hunners of feral cats so sadly wouldn't think they would be pure.

 

[mousey]

Pine marten?

although I'd have thought it'd be smaller?

 

[KirsteenA]

Some did arrive on the island and the population is likely expanding, but the arrivals were some distance away.

 

[KirsteenA]

I have a sample and thought I'd send it to snh, maybe they would definitively i.d. it?

 

[Pioneer72]

In my animal tracks and signs book none of the pictures really compare well, but the closest resemblance is the pine marten one. Though the second pics looks a bit too big for it.

 

[KirsteenA]

Thanks for suggestions. Very frustrating, other images on the web don't have a wellie for size comparison. Colour of fresher deposit was really dark green and outwardly very homogenous, if that is any help. Didn't look so closely or take a sample of the other.

 

[Janne]

This is a weird thread!

 

[mousey]

Apparently Goose poop is green and tubular....

coupled with the fishy smell???

 

[KirsteenA]

Am familiar with goose, not goose...

Weird? Isn't 'whose poos, what scat' everyone's favourite party game?

 

[Robson Valley]

A Canada goose is with an icicle.

 

[Joe tahkahikew]

It sure looks like otter to me. Our otter is same as yours. Always smells like fish and shape is good too. I never smelt goose poo which smells of fish, but maybe different goose in UK eat fish?
What would a goose feed on in your hill?

If you are lucky and pull it apart you may see small bones and/or fish scales. If it is small cat it will be with fur in it.

 

[KirsteenA]

Thanks, otter makes sense. Our geese feed on grass on the lowland - or arable crops in other parts of the country.