No matter how low the temperature dips. Trust me, these are NOT the tracks you want to see going towards your hen house or anywhere near your barn. After loosing several chickens on the coldest night so far this year, I was left wondering… What animal lethally bites the back of multiple chicken’s necks apparently for sport? Can you guess what creature made these tracks?
Dragging it’s feet as it approaches the buffet…
Not a raccoon, rabbit, or cat…
It is a semi- aquatic species that appears to have a finger type print on each pad…
They tend to develop irregular white patches on the lower surface of their bodies…
These small beady eyes do not hibernate in the winter and actually breed for a 3 weeks period in February…
This animal relies heavily on sight when foraging. Its auditory perception is high enough to detect the ultrasonic vocalisations (1-16 kHz) of rodent prey. Its sense of smell is comparatively weak…
These are the teeth that killed 16 of our best layer hens, then left the chickens in a pile in the corner of the coop and my stomach in a knot upon discovering the carcasses…
I would think this guy cute if not so deadly…
Some people use them to make ladies’ fur coats…
Did someone say a MINK?
At what point did you guess, “American Mink?”
(Comment below…)
If it becomes a problem, I’m looking for a new coat for the 2016 winter season! lol
Barbara, This one is enough for a mitten or two! No other uninvited hen house guests since. Hoping it stays that way. But I’ll keep you posted!