Name That Corpse

I visited the Brick Works Friday afternoon to take some pictures of a flower I had seen earlier in the week but I came across something else more interesting instead. At the north edge of the Brick Works was a dead animal lying on its back. It has been dead less than a week. I know that because I passed by the same spot last Saturday and it wasn't there.

I took these pictures for two reasons. The first is that I am pretty sure that it was killed by a dog. Any normal predator would have dragged it off and eaten it, but this body only shows signs of teeth marks and mutilation. The second reason is that I couldn't readily identify it. I checked my Mammals of Ontario but there isn't anything that exactly matches it. The second picture is a closeup of the head and the teeth look like incisors so it may indicate a carnivore. So I am leaning toward a Raccoon or a Badger. However the fur colouration doesn't match either species and the body has no tail, although this may have been removed.

I am hoping someone can identify it. I am thinking of printing these and posting them at the Brick Works just to illustrate why dogs should be kept on a leash.

I have other more graphic pictures if anyone is interested. I will send them by email on request. Only for strong stomachs.


Unknown mammal



Closeup of head. Note type of teeth.