What predator leaves just guts near coop?

[mom2landj]

Our flock is free range. We didn't close the coop a couple nights and in the morning while it was still dark they were outside and there was a bit of a ruckus. It's possible something got to them when they went out in the morning or even maybe got into the coop at night. Either way what we found left was just guts near the coop and the chickens hiding. Needless to say we've made sure to lock them up at night and not let them out till later in the morning. Just wondering what we're dealing with. Any ideas?

 

[hayley3]

Since most wild animals eat the guts that's a tricky one but as someone else said, animals don't read the books and don't always follow what they are "supposed" to do. Did you find a pile of feathers also or just guts? Was it only one chicken that was killed?

 

[aart]

If you went out soon after hearing the ruckus, you probably spooked it off.
If rest of carcass was gone it was something big enough to carry it off..fox, coyote, maybe coon.

Look around for more signs.......but regardless of what it was, best keep things locked up from well before dusk and well after dawn, cause whatever it was, it'll be back for more food.