Fox or badger?

[tinkywinkyshandbag]

Hi, recently a hole has appeared under our fence leading into the garden (there is some overgrown land next door). We have also been waking up in the morning to find that small holes have been dug in the lawn, as it the grass has been scraped up to get at something underneath (bugs?). If it's badgers I don't mind but I am more worried about foxes as they can attack cats (we already lost a cat this way at a previous house). Apparently human urine deters foxes so I am instructing DH to go and wee in the flower beds after dark! What do you think??

[PigletJohn]

can you smell fox?

Are there black fox poos in prominent places?

[IWantItAll]

Could it be a mole?

[tinkywinkyshandbag]

No smell, no poo. I don't think it's a mole to be honest as it's just a hole, like the lawn has been scraped but no tunnelling.

[PigletJohn]

whenever I've had foxes, the smell and the poo-marking has been unmistakable.

Yes, I believe it is true that foxes (and some other animals) avoid large male carnivores, which might eat them, so give your DH a big roast and let him wee round the fences and hedges.

[dreamingofsun]

sounds like our badgers. they too can attack cats apparently - they are quite viscious if cornerned by anything. only thing i found to deter them was getting a dog. apparently they are creatures of habit, so i'd try and nip it in the bud by bunging the hole up.

green woodpeckers also make small holes in the grass...badgers slightly larger ones. the latter are a nightmare.

[NanTheWiser]

I would think it's a fox - they will burrow under fences, and will dig in lawns for worms (when desperate for food).

[tinkywinkyshandbag]

Hi, no more signs of digging in the garden and no other activity as far as I can see, still no smell or droppings either. I guess fox or badger there's not an awful lot we can do about it, but I do worry about my little cat, she comes in most nights but is usually out until about 11pm.

[atticusclaw]

DH peeing in the garden will help if Its a fox

Foxes unlikely to bother with your cat

[dreamingofsun]

both our neighbours and ourselves have had cats and live next to a set. never had any problems - mine were allowed out all night. i think that cats aren't stupid so will scarper

[orangefusion]

Fox. Get a red coat and a pack of beagles, that should scare it off.

Or some SCOOT, that works for my horrid grass digging shit dropping foxy visitor.

[atticusclaw]

The holes in the grass are a typical sign of badgers. We also get holes from the deer.