Any hunters or naturalists here?

[hedgehog]

So I've been chasing this beasty away from my chicken house all summer. I thought it was a fox, but yesterday I got close enough to see that its tail is kind of skinny rather than bushy. Now, it was raining, so maybe the tail was flattened out rather than bushy? It looks mostly red, but has some grey, black tip on the tail and black feet. It's about the size of a large cat but definitely looks canine. Could it be a cross breed? We do have red and grey foxes, coyotes and the occasional stay dog.

[XemaSab]

1. Sounds like a red fox

:hi:

[hedgehog]

2. Whatever it is, it sure likes chicken!

[TZ]

3. A fox with mange perhaps

We've had some rather bizarre looking mangy foxes here.
Something like this....

[hedgehog]

4. I think mine has shorter legs, but the tail is pretty close.

Poor fellow - if he's sick, that explains why he's risking the chickens. It's so startling to see him, i don't get a very good look.

[hedgehog]

5. Ilooked at more pictures, and I think you're right. Poor fellow -

just a couple mosquito bites drive me around the bend. This fellow must be in agony!

I've been leaving extra eggs for him well away from the chicken house, but he can't have any more of my pullets!

[RushIsRot]

6. You don't suppose Oscar's on the prowl?

[hedgehog]

7. Sad to say, this may explain Oscar!

I'm afraid my fox is doomed. I'm not mad at him, I just wish he'd find something else to hunt besides my chickens! A fox is gonna do what a fox has to do!

I'm leaving eggs across his route hoping he'll stay under cover and eat those instead of coming up to the house to chase my hens.