It's a burrow about six feet long with a front hole and a rear hole.
This is the front hole (above). It measures about 14 inches high and 10 inches wide. Whatever dug it threw dirt for about five feet.
This is the back hole, about 9 - 10 inches in diameter.
I have no reason to designate front hole and back hole other than the size. It just seems like the larger hole needs to be the front hole. The front hole is on the east, the back hole is on the west.
By the time I thought about looking for identifying tracks in the snow the dogs and I had stompted all over everything. Not that I'm any good a identifying tracks in the snow. I'm not. But it might have told me canine (fox?) or rodent (some kind of groundhog?).
What's your guess? Or maybe you actually know what it is?
For all you dog lovers like myself who are concerned, I've been keeping the little dogs away from that part of the field since the discovery and I've been walking with a stout walking stick.
That's probably not big enough to be a badger's den but be careful just in case. You don't want to mess with a badger.
ReplyDeleteThere really is such concern for small dogs! Here recently, an owl swooped down and picked up a 4LB Chihuahua - while on the end of the owner's leash. There was a bit of a tug of war, but the dog is going to be ok. Was treated for talon wounds. Scary!!! NOT Sofee, thank God, but similar size. So, yes - be careful!!! I'll be interested to know once you figure out the mystery.
ReplyDeleteWell clearly it is Saskwatch.....
ReplyDeleteInteresting, but I have no idea. Around here the moles are having a hayday! That is NOT a mole hole.
ReplyDeleteI think Groundhogs hibernate to some degree, so I wouldn't expect it to be a groundhog. Fox or Badger would be my guess, though I have no idea how large either of their dens get. Its a shame you can't push a camera up in there to see more!
ReplyDeleteMy best guess would be the thing that looks like a beaver but isn't. I believe they are woodchucks. Had a problem at my aunts headstone, could see the breath coming from the hole and I wasn't going to investigate without a long pole and fast feet. Woodchucks were noted in the area.
ReplyDeleteWow - that is a large hole. Someone mentioned beavers but I thought they hung out in the above-water portion of their dens. How about a groundhog?
ReplyDeleteMy best guess is woodchuck (same as a groundhog, for those not from around here).
ReplyDeleteBut woodchucks usually hibernate, so it's not impossible that it's a fox.