Replica Scat Photo: N. Sincero 2011, Scat Wrangler: S. Sumrall
This scat may include berry seeds, bits of roots and tubers, and even fur, hair and bones. It can vary in color from brown to black. It is generally sweet smelling. You might find it in the northwest of North America, in a high forest or an alpine tundra meadow.
Who pooped?
Leave a comment below with your guess. If no one gets it right, we will reveal the answer in one week.
If you have your own natural history mystery (an unidentified animal, plant or other specimen), send a photo or two to naturalist@calacademy.org. We'll do our best to help out. Please include location, date and any other details that seem pertinent.
Sources:
Scats and Tracks of the Pacific Coast, including British Columbia: A Field Guide to the Signs of 70 Wildlife Species / James C. Halfpenny; illustrated by Todd Telander. Helena, Mont.: Falcon, c1999. Naturalist Center Reference QL768 .H36 1999
The Encyclopedia of Mammals / edited by David Macdonald. New York: Facts on File, c1984. Naturalist Center Reference QL703 .E53 1984