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Wild Animals/re: your answer about tin cans

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Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 7/9/2009


Question
QUESTION: Our neighbor has been finding cans from her recycle bin pulled out and torn apart by some kind of animal, what could it be?

ANSWER: Dear Sharon,

If the tin cans have any sort of food residue, then almost anything might be attracted.  It could be a raccoon, an opossum, a skunk, a stray dog or cat...just about any critter that will be interested in leftover garbage.

Sorry I can't be more specific.  But really it could be any of those things.  Without more clues (tracks, sightings, etc.), it's impossible for anyone to know.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I don't want to mislead you, I mean the cans were literally torn apart. Would that still possibly be a  skunk, opossum or raccoon?
Thanks for your help.

Answer
Dear Sharon,

If the cans were really ripped up, it would have to be an animal with really good jaw strength and the coordination to not get cut (which would probably deter any further tin can tearing!).  

My guess would still be a raccoon or stray dog.  Possibly an opossum.  A cat or skunk would not likely have the strength to tear up tin cans.

Dana

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I'm an evolutionary biologist with a passion for animals. Ask about natural history, behavior, ecology, evolution. PLEASE NOTE:

If you have found an "orphaned" or injured wild animal or bird:
Please don't waste time asking questions on the internet, as the answers may come too late. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL, and DO NOT HANDLE IT unless it is in imminent danger. (Many wild "orphans" are not orphans at all!) If you are absolutely sure it is orphaned, keep it warm and quiet, and find a LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR HERE. Don't try to raise a baby yourself, or rehabilitate an injured anmal. Many a well-intentioned rescuer will do more harm than good, especially with baby birds and baby rabbits.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMALS
Without geographic location, time of day and habitat, I can't help. A clear picture is always best.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMAL SOUNDS
It's impossible for me to I.D. an animal call without hearing it myself.

COMPARATIVE STRENGTHS
I'm not an expert on comparative strengths of different animals (more complicated than you might think!) nor bite forces.

FIGHTING ANIMALS
I refuse to answer "Which of these two animals--X or X--would win in a fight?".

These hypothetical matchups range from impossible (Grizzly Bears and Gorillas don't even occupy the same continent.) to ridiculous (Someone asked me "Who would win a fight between a Great White Shark and a tiger?").

The vast majority of animals--even the fierce and powerful--are not as warlike as Homo sapiens, and it's childish to project our aggressiveness onto them.

Experience

I have been the fortunate caregiver to a group of Black-tailed Jackrabbits rescued from the Miami International Airport, and not releasable in this area because they are not native. I also have rehabbed and released Eastern Cottontails, and am in contact with many very experienced wildlife rescuers who regularly handle injured or orphaned rabbits and hares.

Organizations
House Rabbit Society

Publications
Exotic DVM journal

Education/Credentials
I have a Ph.D. in Biology, with main areas of expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, and ecology.

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