What animal could have left poop—part of a scat “latrine”—in my cottage basement this spring? It appeared that the area had been used several times or by more than one animal. The scat is dark brown/black with bits of seeds or wood chips, large (3 1/2″ – 4 1/2″), and rather soft. Once I cleaned it up, the animal did not return. The area isn’t completely animal-tight; squirrels and chipmunks use part of the space during the winter to store pine cones and nuts and likely to build their nests.—Sandy Butcher, Harris Lake, Ont.
We sent a few experts your photo (which was too gross to show in this magazine—you’re welcome, readers). According to Kim Cabrera, an animal tracks and signs specialist, a fox or a raccoon are likely the prime suspects. “The size of the scat—and the contents—is consistent with an omnivore,” she says. Plus, both animals will form latrines.
“I’m leaning towards raccoon or skunk based on my poop experience,” says Gary Ure, the owner of Second Nature Wildlife Management in Gananoque, Ont. “But given the size, I would say raccoon.”
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Mike Webb, the owner of Westcoast Problem Wildlife in Victoria, agrees that a raccoon makes sense. They’re known for their cottage break-in skills. They might also squeeze through holes that you’d assume are only large enough to fit a chipmunk or squirrel. “I once saw a full-grown raccoon come out of a hole that I could barely get one fist through. Her head fit, and then the rest of her body just totally squished down,” says Webb. “I mean, I’ve also seen some raccoons get their bums stuck—and that’s kind of funny. But usually they can fit.”
Okay, so raccoons will Houdini themselves into basements and crap all over the place. What’s surprising, says Ure, is that your cleaning efforts have apparently kept them from coming back. Because once an animal finds a bathroom that it likes, it really likes that bathroom.
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“I’ve had numerous clients clean up feces only to have the animal poop there again and continue pooping for numerous seasons,” says Ure. Cleaning alone never seems to work. “People have cleaned with detergent, with bleach, or even used odour deterrents,” he says. Whoever the culprit is (raccoon, fox, or skunk) you’ll probably need to critter-proof the basement to avoid future grossness. The squirrels and chipmunks can find somewhere else to stash their nuts.
Got a question for Cottage Q&A? Send it to answers@cottagelife.com.
This article was originally published in the Early Spring issue of Cottage Life.
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