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Name This Animal

What animal makes a 'chirp-purr' sound?

roselee z8b S.W. Texas

15 years ago

My dogs are having a fit about something under the deck stairs. It is a low deck and is closed in. Whatever it is makes a loud chirp sound, which is hard to locate where it is coming from, immediately following by a low purr that is definitely coming from under the stairs, which the dogs are trying to tear up to get to whatever it is. The 'chirp-purr' 'chirp-purr' is continual with hardly a break between.

I live in San Antonio, Texas near some woods. I'm thinking it is a racoon, but a young one that they cornered behind a piece of plywood in the greenhouse last year didn't make a sound.

I'm mystified. Any ideas?

I brought the dogs in the house so whatever it is can escape.

Featured Answer

mikeygraz

15 years ago

No problem - I'm quite jealous actually!! They make excellent pets (basically like having a cat)

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Comments (10)

roselee z8b S.W. Texas
Original Author
15 years ago
I've been looking around on the internet for animal sounds. The opossum is the closest with the loud chirp, but the sound bite doesn't include the 'purr' sound. Perhaps it was the animal drawing in it's breath and I could hear it because it was so close being right under the steps.

I've seen a lot of 'possums - trapped in trash cans, up in trees stealing fruit, playing dead when a dog catches them, but never heard them chirp before.

Anyway, seems I've answered my own question :-) Does anyone disagree and have another idea?

Here is a link that might be useful: Recorded animal sounds ...
mikeygraz
15 years ago
Could possibly be a Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus)...they make the noises you've described
~Mike
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roselee z8b S.W. Texas
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks Mike! I hadn't thought of that. And of course I didn't know what sort of sound they make either. There are ringtails in the area. My neighbor saw one in her yard a couple of years ago, so that's probably what it is. We used to call them 'ring tail cats'.

Whatever it is it's still there this morning! When my dogs starting barking and scratching at the steps it started it's chirp-purr sound again. You'd think with all the hullabaloo from the dogs it would have left during the night.

On the other hand it might be nice to have it hang around to take care of mice, and hopefully rats. It's a beautiful animal!

Here is a link that might be useful: Bassariscus astutus
roselee z8b S.W. Texas
Original Author
15 years ago
Hmmm, I wonder since it didn't leave last night if it's a 'she' that had babies there. If so I'll send one to you as a thank you gift Mike ;-)

Just kidding!

Seriously, I'll just let it/them be and hope for the best. Maybe the dogs will get used to our new boarder :-)
mikeygraz
15 years ago
Roselee - don't toy with me!!!! ;)

You have no idea how much I'd actually love a ringtail though. I actually went on some hunting boards in Texas where people frequently post photographs of ringtails they've shot for sport, but when I ask some hunters to spare one's life, or take in a kit that is left motherless and mention I want to keep one as a pet that has free run of the house they seem confused and against the idea! Go figure..

If you get photographs though, I would LOVE to see

~Mike
roselee z8b S.W. Texas
Original Author
15 years ago
Mike, I surely will keep you in mind if ever an orphan 'ringtail' turns up as I'm sure other readers of this board will. I wish you luck. "Ask and you will receive."

Below is a short video that animal lovers will enjoy. Who would have 'thunk' it?

Here is a link that might be useful: Porcupine thinks it's a puppy -- short video ...
mikeygraz
15 years ago
Roselee -
That is INCREDIBLY cute...wow! Kind of reminds me of my fat little pomeranian, lol. I see porcupines all the time in western Nebraska and have always thought they were pretty cute critters (despite their spikiness).
Please do keep me in mind in all honesty! Feel free to send me a PM at slider919@aol.com if you'd want to chat more.

take care,
~Mike
revwhodat
13 years ago
I have that chirpping sound under my low wood deck in backyard in new orleans area. I think it's rats. Anyone else?
User
13 years ago
In New Orleans, it is probably Chirping Frogs or Greenhouse Frogs. If you search online you will find recordings of their little chirps.

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