Opposum. Don't worry about the wildlife after all you moved to a place they live. They did not move to where you live.

Thanks, that makes sense. The grass is always matted down right near where I found the scat. It's definitely bedding for some sort of animal, and even thought its smack dab out in the open in my back yard, I've seen deer bedding a few feet away in the winter nights. A neighbor claims to have spotted a cougar behind their house. I normally wouldn't pay that any attention living in MD, but when the called the dept of natural resources, they were told that others had spotted what they thought was a "cougar" in the same area. Someone claims that they found cougar tracks, but I'm still highly doubtful. Just thought I'd check that rather large scat out with people who knew better than me. Thanks again.

Try the page below ... If not there, do a search with "id scat" but without the quotes Here is a link that might be useful: scat ID

I agree with Marlingardener about trapping the cat in a 'Havahart' humane trap. Then take it to your animal shelter. They are not cheap. Our local humane society which contracts with various surrounding cities for animal control and sheltering even has a few traps which can be rented. The daily rental cost is inexpensive but the deposit is high to ensure people return them. So, check with your local animal shelter first to see if they rent them out before buying. As for buying one, my local pet store does not carry them but the nearest feed store which is geared more to farmers and ranchers does. Here is a link that might be useful: HAVAHART Humane Animal Traps