Chewed Wood ...

[tenrec]

Some drift wood on the lake shore has been chewed over a period of time. The logs are about 4 inches in diameter. One has been chewed totally into two pieces, the other just nibbled at. What do you think could do this? I am not aware of beavers in the Lake District.

[Prudie]

otters, deer?

[Buenchico]

Don't rule out beavers:
http://www.answerbag.com/

But otters might well be another possibility:
http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/8834063.Otters_making_a_splash_at_tourist_hotspot/

[Buenchico]

Oops!

Sorry, wrong (first) link:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/mar/18/beavers

[tenrec]

Thanks for those comments. I was not aware that an otter would chew wood like that. As for beavers, well I'm not sure as it is in a public place and I think there would be a bit of a hoo haa if people found out. Also I'm not sure that deer venture on to that land either.

[Graham-W]

American Mink? Released into the wild in the UK by so called animal activists.

[tenrec]

Graham I hadn't thought of mink. Yes, they do have mink. Do you think that a mink would/could chew through a 4" log (drift wood)?

[Graham-W]

They are rodents and as such need to sharpen their teeth. I don't see why a 4" log wouldn't do. Their quite territorial too and would probably mark and take possession of their own log. That's mine, that's mine.

[tenrec]

Thanks for that Graham. I'm sure that is the answer.

[Chipchopper]

Sounds like a herbivore, Water vole maybe ?

[tenrec]

The mystery is solved. BADGERS! By the way Graham I don't think mink are rodents. Thanks for all the replies.