Two dead ducks (warning picture attached)- Middle TN

[2 Magnolias Egg]

Ive lost two ducks in the past week. The first one we never recovered the body- which might indicate a fox. The second one just happened, and this is what was left (which would indicate a raccoon). Can anyone tell what might have done this? I secured how they got in the first time, but they found a different way in the second time (which I have since secured. The first pic below is looking down on a gap between the dog house that the ducks used to lay eggs, and the entrance to their coop. You can even see a little bit of the fur on the wire from the predator. This is 4 feet off the ground (roughly)

I've ordered a trap as well. They haven't yet gotten into the chicken coop- which is a separate enclosure-, but I have a feeling they might be next. Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Stipenvlerk]

Oef, Brutal killing! This has to be an predator animal.
what kinds do you have in your area? how Is your coop protected? (roof, size of the holes in the webbing)

I’m sorry for your loss...

 

[2 Magnolias Egg]

Ive updated my thread with a little more information. Yeah, its a predator for sure, just trying to find out what kind/how to eliminate. I live in the Southeastern part of the US, but not Deep South (so no gator for instance). Probably a raccoon or fox.

 

[Stipenvlerk]

Maybe add weasels to the possibility

https://backyardpoultry.iamcountryside.com/coops/weasels-killing-chickens/

 

[2 Magnolias Egg]

Yeah, I mean it could be a lot of things. I just want it gone. Im getting a dog this week, which I hope helps, and I will start putting a trap down. I was just worried the trap may attract something else, or is it worth the risk to trap whatever is getting in there?

 

[GC-Raptor]

Can anyone tell what might have done this?

I'm guessing a raccoon.
Raccoons can climb a fence, climb a building and squeeze through a 3 1/2 inch gap.
To top it off they are very strong and can pry off chicken wire.
These 3 pix show paw prints, climbing coop and prints on metal roof.

Climbing a fence.

Caught. Notice the door is bent, trip plate is bent. I had to straighten out parts.

I used canned cat food as bait, fish or seafood first or second ingredient. I used a small can with a pop lid, pop up tab, but don't lift lid. Mice like it too.
I used a 22 to dispatch through trap.
Secure the trap, if coon tips it over it will escape.
I secured mine to a fence post with a cable lock outside of pen. GC