The last couple weeks, I've seen an animal around the neighborhood and the past two days, I've noticed it close to my house. Last night, I came home from work and it was nosing around my patio, just a few feet from the door into the family room. I was able to snap this pic before it left the yard.



When I first saw it, I thought it was a fox. But now that I've seen it up close, I'm not so sure. Plus foxes are pretty shy - this animal doesn't seem very fearful. Its legs look too long and its gait is weird, sort of wobly like its drunk. Maybe a coyote? Something else?

We have a young one, 5 years old, plus a couple house cats. My fear is that this thing and one of them come face to face. Any thoughts?

 

A couple more pics


fox



wyle e coyote

 

It looks like a rather unhealthy and malnourished coyote to me.

I would keep the cats and your young one inside. I'd be concerned about the possibility of rabies, judging from the unsteady gait and lack of fear.

 

Looks like it might be related to the Jackalope.

 

^^ I agree.

 

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking.

 

We had a big bunch of coyotes around here several years ago. They ate all the rabbits and quail then left. I would call a game warden, let them deal with it.

 

[QUOTE=8_ball,Oct 23 2009, 04:56 AM]The last couple weeks, I've seen an animal around the neighborhood and the past two days, I've noticed it close to my house.

 

^ That is what I was thinking, also.

 

Call animal protection to trap it. Very malnourished and unhealthy looking. The lack of fear is a concern.