Animal identification

[powerdesal]

Can anyone identify the animal from this poo, the dropping is approx 3 inches long and the speckled bits seem likely to be hazelnut fragments.

The droppings were found in our loft, on top of the fibreglass insulation, which also had substantial dents / hollows of about 1 ft dia where an animal could have curled up.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/powerdesal/IMG_1076.jpg

[Bugsy]

Pinemartin ?

.

[woolybanana]

groat squirrel?

[Cat]

As bugsy said, possibly pine marten, or, as it was found in your  loft, more likely stone marten (fouine)...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/natureuk/2010/10/your-questions-answered.shtml

I'd say that the speckled bits look like berry seeds?

[powerdesal]

That sounds about right, a closer look at the photo also gives the berry seed result. I didn't really examine the poo that closely at first.

So, Fouine. Now, how to deter the bug****? That is the question.

I seem to remember someone mentioning 'moth balls', was it correct? If so, what is the French for moth balls?

[Fureys]

Hi,

What you need is called naphthalene (same in both French and English), be careful when you lay it out as it can be flammable.

Furs

[Pierre ZFP]

[quote user="powerdesal"] the dropping is approx 3 inches long and the speckled bits seem likely to be hazelnut fragments.[/quote]

Are you sure it's not a Topic bar?

That's got a hazelnut in every bite [+o(]

[nomoss]

Looks very like fig-based Christmas offerings in Spain.

[powerdesal]

Thanks to all for the responses - serious or otherwise.

''Francois the Fouine'' is a family favourite with our friends and family having seen a photo of one from the net. We don't object to his/her existence at all, just not in our loft !!!!!!

I think the moth ball route is the favourite, when I find where to buy them.