What made these tracks? UPDATE Now what?

[Cara]

The Opossum's toes are spread further apart, and their tracks aren't usually longer than 1"-1.5".

 

[deerman]

Quote:
You can see the claw tips on the paw print on the left. And they measure 3 inches long. That would be to big for an opossum. I still think coon.

had edit it as u were posting

 

[fordmommy]

Absolutely a coonie!

 

[Cara]

Here are some handy links.

Raccoon:

http://www.bear-tracker.com/coon.html

Skunk:

http://www.bear-tracker.com/stskunk.html

Opossum:

http://www.bear-tracker.com/opossum.html

 

[deerman]

yes know it was coon, just had to post something different, claw dont always show


Wow even getting the web site for tracks, Sorry yes i knew raccoon tracks, did get people double checking their post

 

[deenamr]

So what is the best bait for a racoon in a havahart trap?

How far away do I need to relocate it?

Where there is one are there more?

Is it possible that it was just passing through out of it's normal area due to the major storms we had been having?

My family has owned the property for almost 40 years and we have only seen racoons maybe 3 or 4 times. I have never seen one hit on the road with in 10 miles of my home - so I really don't think they are a common problem around here. Now I am afraid for my chickens, ducks and cats.

Thanks for all the help - Deena

 

[stephhassler]

Marshmallows work very well. Relocate? Are you sure you want to risk a return. From my experience this summer, I can tell you coons are savage killers. I lost several fully grown hens and many chicks to a coon. He just beheaded the babies and didn't even eat them, bodies and heads laying everywhere, it was very upsetting. We did not relocate.

 

[chickendude]

Use sardines in the trap they work like a charm. As for the relocate idea I don't do that because it is illegal to transport wildlife in my area and I also don't want to pass my problem coon on to someone else. As for you have never seen many coons, did you have chickens in the past? I say be proactive instead of reactive. Catch it and kill it before it does a massive slaughter on your chickens. Good luck and I hope your chickens are not taken out by the coon.

 

[chickendude]

Now I have 200 posts.

I never thought I had that much to say.

 

[Triggerjay]

Quote:
I fully agree... And lost half my flock to an attack about a month ago... .22 ammo is cheap. Oh, and I used CHICKEN for bait in the havahart trap. Cought, and killed it. I felt at fault however for not adequetly protecting them. Now I have a two wire electric fence guarding the chickens. Have not lost another animal since catching the coon though. Here is his ugly butt:

Jason