Here are a couple pictures taken in the yard. Any ideas?

Scat Photo

Photo to Provide Scale

This photo looks a bit different from other deer scat photos in that it looks like chocolate chips. I still think this is deer scat though as my Scats and Tracks of the Mid-Atlantic: A Field Guide to the Signs of Seventy Wildlife Species (Scats and Tracks Series) book says that deer scat can be nipple shaped. As always, though, feel free to comment if you have a different opinion.

Scat Photo

I believe this scat most likely was deposited by a black bear. However, it is interesting to note that this scat was found near the automatic camera during the same time period when the mysterious possible abominable snowman photo was taken.

Scat with Leaves

I photographed this scat on a recent hike at Sky Meadows State Park in Virginia. I believe the tapered end and presence of hair is consistent with fox or coyote scat. Any thoughts?

Scat at Sky Meadows State Park

Reader G.H. submitted three photos of unidentified scat. A couple of photos almost look like cow pies to me, but assuming the photographs were not taken in a field with cows, I think black bear scat is a likely possibility.

Just like with humans, the appearance of animal droppings is affected by the health and diet of the one who makes the deposit. The traditional bear scat image contains berries, but it can look quite different depending on what the animal ate prior to digestion.

Do you have a theory to explain the mysterious photos below? We value your opinion!

Bedford Scat Image 1

Unidentified Scat Image 2

Mysterious Scat Image 3

Can you identify animals based on their scat?  What animal deposited this scat?

The correct answer will be posted soon is posted here.