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Native Californian, biologist, wildlife conservation consultant, retired Smithsonian scientist, father of two daughters, grandfather of four. INTJ. Believes nature is infinitely more interesting than shopping malls. Born 100 years too late.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Mystery mammal


This was set # 254, a promising site in Marin County where fog blows in from Bolinas Lagoon. 

I know bobcat kittens padded this trail, and I know a coyote dropped a few dog logs right where the mystery creature hunkered. 

But the cam always had a problem.

This time the flash went out. 

24 images were black.

Three looked like this, and only this one showed an animal. 

It was 6:18 in the morning when the mystery mammal paused to sniff.

Anyone want to guess what it it? 

Coyote . . . raccoon . . . wolverine . . .  German shepherd . . . or just a large squirrel? 

Camera trap pictures can be puzzling -- read on . . . here.






 

12 comments:

Seagull Steve said...

Juvenile skunk ape.

Camera Trap Codger said...

Yes, a real possibility in light of the size and posture.

Froggy said...

Ahhh, you mean "sasquatch" in the codger's neck o' the woods.

They are only "skunk apes" in Florida.

Neil said...

Dwarf ground sloth.

Owlman said...

It appears to be a racoon to my eye.

Jayla said...

Looks like a barfing bobcat to me.

Anonymous said...

Raccoon.

Jace Stansbury said...

Hey how about a chupacabra!!!


Jace

Darren Courtney said...

WOW! This is a hard image to work with. I have sent it to a friend who does magic with images and has the programs to refine this pic.
My guess from the posture and size, it is a wolverine.

Camera Trap Codger said...

Thanks for the feedback, troops. You've given me new hope and inspiration.

Anonymous said...

It's a racoon.

DDeden said...

Fred?