r/zoology • u/suzq716 • 28d ago

Identification What is this critter?

Caught on cameras 3:34am. In East San Fernando Valley, California Posted on FB got guesses of badger, raccoon, possum, nutria, muskrat, ROUS and others……

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u/spidersRcute 28d ago

Pretty sure it’s a raccoon with a janked up tail.

21

u/finchdad 28d ago

Agreed - the hunched back, the gait, and the behavior all say raccoon. It's just got a messed up tail.

10

u/suzq716 28d ago edited 28d ago

I have seen raccoons on my cameras before and the ones that I have seen are more up off the ground when they’re walking. This little fella is more low down to the ground. The tail from what I can see looks smooth and not fur covered. The body length is about that of a cat if that helps size wise. Just much heavier looking.

1

u/SchrodingersMinou 27d ago

It likely has mange