During the hike near Linden, I photographed this scat.  The front of my boot is in the frame for a scale reference. After consulting my Scats and Tracks book, I am not certain what animal made this deposit.  Any thoughts?

This pile of Black Bear Scat was spotted on the Whiteoak Fire Road in Shenandoah National Park.

I noticed this scat on the Appalachian Trail. After consulting my Scats and Tracks field guide, identification cannot be absolute. On one hand, the constrictions seen are associated with mountain lion and bobcat scat. The diameter of the scat is too narrow for an adult mountain lion and is more consistent with bobcat scat size. On the other hand, the tapered end of the scat is consistent with dog scat. What animal do you think made this deposit?