Help I have no clue what this creature could be

14 years ago

I am really sorry I don't have a picture I could share, Under the conditions of which I came upon this creature a camera wasn't my first thought...

This actually just happened around 12:30am, I am mostly a night owl myself so I tonight I am up late and I heard my cat outside let loose a horrible screech, Now this happening before I thought it was just another cat, Though of late I haven't seen with my own eyes what has been fighting my cat. Tonight I was fed up, due to small but rough wounds my cat has been getting on his neck area unlike a normal scratching from fleas or anything wound...

Anyway sorry, So quickly making a plan I quietly unlocked my back door readied one hand on the handle and the other on the light switch planing to open and turn on the light at the same time all the wile jumping out into the top step to see the culprit.

I must have surprised it as much as it surprised me, Because at first I didn't see anything, Not even my cat then I heard a hiss from under the steps and scratching like squirrel claws on concrete I looked down and the faster then I could blink hauling but around the corner of my house "hitting the corner with its side on the way." was this creature... Now with all that in mind, I will describe what I saw in such a quick instant...

Like mentioned before when it scurried across the carport it sounded like squirrel claws, But no bushy tail. It made no hissy or chattering noises, It was slender and longer like a ferret, But it didn't look like one and it's fur looked coarse and brown. Kind of like the hair were all together but individual like when an animal needs bath and the fur separates. Does any of this make any sense? If not Im sorry its the best of what I saw and just for a better idea I live in louisiana out in the country not near any swampy areas btw I live out near 2 big lake in the Concordia Parrish located not even 10 miles from the Mississippi river across from Natchez,Ms in the central part of Louisiana ya know kind in the middle and over by the edge area of Louisiana. You can look on yahoo driving maps online and see what I mean.

Thanks for sticking through this post I know it is pretty long.. Sorry just still quite baffled myself...

ps sorry for any missed typo I'm gettin a bit tired.

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Comments (5)

HisPrincess1189
Original Author
14 years ago
Ok I still haven't gone back to bed yet, Well I was heading that way and had a thought but not sure, Is there any chance this sounds like a weasel? possible? I can't really find any picture of the same fure texture, But then again it keeps showing me pets and this one was wild so very doubt-able that it is well groomed.
danetherton
14 years ago
My first thought is Nutria Nutria Link, but they look like a Muskrat. Muskrat Link An Otter is thin and shaped like a Weasel. Did you say if it was cat sized? River Otter Link. I daresay your cat would not have survived an encounter with a River Otter; they are bigger than cats, and are ferocious when aroused. No bushy tail tells me it is not a Raccoon, the most common cat attacker, and it does not sound like a Possum. Maybe a Mink? American Mink link.
I hope some of these links help, and hope you get a chance for a photo next time.
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Stefidragonfly
14 years ago
first though as well was a nutria
HisPrincess1189
Original Author
14 years ago
Hello Again,

Thank you so much for the information I looked at them all long and hard. The mink really caught my attention, So I searched some more pictures of the mink and came upon one with the similar fur texture which I assume now it must have gotten wet by something " maybe from fighting with my cat??"

I have also taken into some thought that maybe someones pet ferret got loose. At least I would rather say loose vs set loose considering large owls are all around here... I really wish I could have gotten a picture to compare with you all... I have been taking my camera out with me at night when I take my pup out or check on my cat... But this creature hasn't returned, which leads me to think ether my cat won dominance or this creature was what the large black caught a few nights ago... But none the less here is a picture of the fur texture on this mink that matched. Thanks again for all the help.

Here is a link that might be useful:
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
14 years ago
I've seen a fair number of wild minks in the marshes of coastal SC. They are quite small, though, like a ferret. Minks are absolutely going to live in a location with a good water source. They are more common than people realize and will certainly be found in your state.

Help I have no clue what this creature could be

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