Animal experts I need your help (again)!

[Mum2J&M]

What kind of animal makes a barking sound besides a dog? There is something behind our house that always roams around at night and makes an unusual barking sound. I assumed it was a raccoon or skunk, but when I've looked up those sounds online, it sounded more like chirping. What about an opossum? Does anyone know? Everyone's garbage cans are back there, so I assume it's something trying to get into them - but would a raccoon make a barking sound? Thanks. It's been driving me nuts.

[Mum2J&M]

Weird - do you think it could've been a fox? I didn't realize, but they do bark. And what kind of fox would be near a lake in North Carolina? I'm near Raleigh, so we're not in the boonies or anything.

[cylentka]

any prairie dogs in your area? they bark.

[Mum2J&M]

I don't think so. We're off a very busy street with shops all around. The lake is behind us and is surrounded by houses and a walking path and roads.

[cylentka]

Maybe a barking deer?

[cylentka]

There is a bird that sings at nights and mimics other bird's songs and sometimes other animal's noises, but I can't for the life of me think of what the name of the bird is.

[Mum2J&M]

Yes, most definitely a fox. Here's a link to National Geographic's sound clip. So weird!

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/red-fox.html?nav=A-Z

[Jon]

I'd suspect fox or coyote. They may well be in your area even if it is urbanized (esp. coyotes). Or a feral or stray dog.

[Mum2J&M]

No, it definitely sounded more like a fox - it sounded like a dying dog bark. I wonder if this is what my cat has been having fights with lately.

[Who8MyRice]

Squirrels also bark too. People usually don't expect them to make such an odd sound but given how prevalent they are, it could be that.

[In2Photos]

It might be a neighbor. ;)

[20droger]

They beat me to it! I was going to suggest a fox or a ground squirrel, as they bark quite a bit, and both come out at night.

Oppossums don't bark. They're pretty quiet.

And yes, your cat could easily tangle with a fox, especially if he's a largish cat.

[Digitally_Altered]

just beware of barking spiders... :lol:

[breal101]

I'm a bit concerned for your cat if it is a fox.

[Mum2J&M]

I'm a bit concerned for your cat if it is a fox.

Yeah, me too. We've been keeping her in at night. We assumed it was a cat that comes up from the lake frequently (not a stray) who's very friendly, but now I wonder.

[20droger]

Her rabies shots are up-to-date, aren't they?

[Mum2J&M]

Her rabies shots are up-to-date, aren't they?

Should be... and she doesn't seem ill or anything...

[breal101]

You may want to call your state Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (or what ever they call it in your state) they will sometimes set have-a-heart traps to remove predatory animals. The humane society may do it as well.