Any trackers? What am i dealing with, look here.

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

Hello and thanks in advance. I just found 2 sets of tracks in my yard. 1 going around my chicken run/coop. No sign of attempted entry..... yet. These look like coyote tracks or large dog to me. We also have fox in the area but the stride seems way too big. What do you think? 18" or so between steps, maybe more

My size 10 work boot

 

[cavemanrich]

I vote coyote, or large dog, but less likely dog, due to late at night. Most dogs are not nocturnal.
The paw-print fits size of coyote size. We do have a few in our neighborhood. They never did get near my chickens, since gated, and fenced where coop is.
Also have a fox in area, but I would see some tail trail I think a fox would leave in such fluffy snow.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[hayley3]

Straight lines like that make me think of deer. But if you look down inside it you can see the print better but I can't see from here. If it's a dog you should see nails or if deer the hoof print.

 

[cmom]

Hard to tell from the pictures. It could be a coyote. If you have a game camera, put it up. From my experiences, many predators have routines and routes they often take. More than likely whatever made the tracks will be back and then you will know. I have several game cameras on my property.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

Straight lines like that make me think of deer. But if you look down inside it you can see the print better but I can't see from here. If it's a dog you should see nails or if deer the hoof print.

Definitely more of a paw than a hoof.

 

[Gray Farms]

Coyote I'd say. Dogs tend to wander/mill around a bit and don't leave such a straight track. Not totally impossible its a dog though.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

Hard to tell from the pictures. It could be a coyote. If you have a game camera, put it up. From my experiences, many predators have routines and routes they often take. More than likely whatever made the tracks will be back and then you will know. I have several game cameras on my property.

My next step will probably be electric fence, a month or 2. I honestly don't have a lot of time for setting and checking cameras. Work too much.
Thanks

 

[Gray Farms]

Would animal control or a local trapper come set traps and remove them for you?

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

Would animal control or a local trapper come set traps and remove them for you?

Good thought but not likely. Animal control would wish me luck and I don't know any local trappers.
I set a raccoon spring trap up. I do not want to catch a neighbor's pet but dont want to lose my birds again. I'll give 3 days to make sure it doesn't return.
Maybe next week shop for small electric perimeter fence.