There was a surprise waiting for us this morning; The American Ring-tailed cat, Bassariscus astutus astutus, found the tempting treats of apple, asparagus and parsley I left in the Havahart trap. On this basis I am going to say that he is the guilty party, despite the fact that by all accounts he is more of a carnivore, enjoying a meal of mice, crickets etc. Some years ago we came home at night to find one perched on the ledge outside our kitchen. I think he had been eating pyracantha berries.It was very cold last night and I have no idea how long he was in the trap so I feel a little guilty. However he was pretty feisty, hissing at me when I approached. I covered the trap with a thick blanket and took the trap into the greenhouse, where a small heater had been running overnight. When he has warmed up a little he will be free to go.
