Strange Tracks in Pen *Logical Conclusion on Page 46*

[BrattishTaz]

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

Okay, nothing in the trap this morning and no tracks. But it's raining, so whatever it is is probably holed up somewhere staying dry. i don't know. Hope i find something tomorrow or i may start losing my audience.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

It was raining last night so i didn't set the trap, thinking the "creature" would not come in the rain. But this morning found some very clear marks, so took more pictures. i showed them to my husband. i had only described them to him before and he said "snake". But after seeing them, he said "snake". So now i'm thinking it might be a snake, a small one (i hope). Although why it is coming just at night, i don't know. And - if it is a small snake, it would be able to slither out of that trap i've got anyways. Take a look below.

Here is the front of the pen, where it connects to the coop next door. A snake or mouse could easily scoot in there.

So this morning, the marks started right inside the pen to the left, next to the other coop. Can you see the marks? It looks like someone took the heel of a shoe and dragged it, stopped, then dragged it, etc.

This picture might be a little clearer. See how it scoots under that blanket i have wrapped around the aviary?

Last picture. i think i really need a game cam.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

That REALLY looks like a snake and not to scare you, but a BIG one as those tracks are HUGE for a snake. (At least as far as I can tell from the pics).

One way to "catch" them is to put a big trash can out there near where you've seen the tracks, then "make" a makeshift ramp or stairs or whatever up the outside so it could get in, put a mouse or something inside the trash can and hopefully the snake will smell it and go up the ramp and fall in the trashcan and not be able to get out. Actually this works for other animals too. I would put several types of bait in there just in case, a spoon w/ peanut butter, some seeds, and a mouse.

Hope this helps!

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

Okay Colleen, breath, breath, breath.

i was picturing a small snake, like each mark was the snake going *scoot* then the undisturbed part was the snake reaching out and moving forward. i don't know. What do i know? Not much about snakes, apparently.

But the thing is, after i see them go under that blanket, i don't see them anymore. Where could they be going? Oh, i wonder if it's climbing up somewhere? Where do snakes sleep?

 

[Randy]

I think it's a giant inch worm.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

Yes, snakes are VERY good climbers, they sleep anywhere that's not cold, usually holes, but can be in rafters, attics, basements, too... essentially anywhere they feel safe.

IF it's NOT a snake the only thing I could think of is;

Either some injured animal (but it seems too regular/ even).

OR

Someone is playing a trick on you with their boot heel.

Try the trash can trick and see what you catch!


ETA: Here is a California Herps page to help you identify it. I'm in Cali too and am very familiar with snakes. http://www.californiaherps.com/snakes/snakespics.html

I *think* the only snakes big enough to make those marks here would be either a really big gopher snake or rattlesnakes.

 

[sawmane1]

this is so suspense full you have to get a pic of the animal i had to subscribe it is so amazing!

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

Thank you for the suggestions and link, WhiteMountainsRanch. Although, all those snake pictures freaked me out. About your suggestions, i doubt it is an injured animal, as these marks are appearing every couple of days. And i don't think anyone is playing a trick on me. It's just me and my husband here, and he wouldn't think this was funny. Plus, i'm always the first one up, and he doesn't do any of the chicken chores, so is never out in that back pen.

i can try your garbage can trick. Um, not sure i have a large trash can. i wonder if an 18 gallon rubbermaid bin would work, or if that would be too short. Also, found a game cam on the Walmart site for only $50. That might be a good investment.