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Name This Animal

what is this animal?

9 years ago

I have no photo - while I was driving in an urban area of Roanoke, va I saw an animal about the size of a possum - perhaps a little longer and faster moving. It was a solid dark brown and had a slightly pointed snout and fairly short legs. It was rainy and about noon.

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Comments (13)

Marcy
9 years ago
Armadillo perhaps? I don't know if they're in that area but the have recently been identified here in southern Illinois.
rfloydg5
Original Author
9 years ago
I'm certain it was not an armadillo - it had thick, brown fur. Thank you, though, for thinking about it.
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Marcy
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
It had a fat possum body but brown with short legs and a snout.... could it have been a baby bear? Sorry I'm grasping at straws! LOL! I'm guessing if you're familiar with the area you would know what a cub looks like. As I said I was grasping!
rfloydg5
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks, but I think the overall shape was wrong for a baby bear. I wish I had been able to get a photo, but I was driving and only saw it run across the road.
shearersusan68
9 years ago
Without a photo, here are a few guesses based on size and description: 1. Otter 2. Mink 3. Groundhog
shearersusan68
9 years ago
Without a photo, here are a few guesses based on size and description: 1. Otter 2. Mink 3. Groundhog
User
9 years ago
Why not a raccoon? If it was wet it you might not see the contrast of the mask and tail banding.
rfloydg5
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks - I suppose it might have been a wet raccoon, but it was at noon - that's odd.
joyfulsu
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Sounds a lot like a Mink. Was there water nearby?
rfloydg5
Original Author
9 years ago
That looks closer than anything so far - Do mink come this far south? No large bodies of water close, nor lakes - always some streams close in Roanoke, Va
rfloydg5
Original Author
9 years ago
I looked at your map more closely and it looks like they could be here and we are right next to the Blue Ridge Parkway - That could be it - Thanks, joyfulsu
joyfulsu
9 years ago
According to this map, they haven't been recorded in Roanoke county yet, but that's not saying they aren't around. :)

Another option is the Fisher. Evidently its back in va! I believe these are bigger than mink. Otter would also be bigger.
rfloydg5
Original Author
9 years ago
That's very interesting - thanks for the insight.

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