What's digging this fox sized hole in my garden?

I have had huge problems with rats in spite of the three dogs. However, it turns out that Willa, the youngest, has decided she is a ratter. She makes my Jack Russell look very silly as he just runs from them. So, problem solved for me. But, yes, rats do move in where there are dogs and cats, especially with all this rain where their homes are being flooded out.

 

Well the white tea towel didn't show much. There are a few marks on it but nothing clear. Will post pics when it's a bit lighter.

 

I've just been out and taken some pics of the muddy soil and it would appear to point to a larger animal such as a fox. However, my neighbour says there is no digging on his side as there is a concrete slab over the area by his fence, and on closer inspection the hole comes to a stop on his side, so isn't a tunnel as such, just a hole (maybe an aborted attempt?)

Scratch marks:



Scratch marks on rock:



Is this a dog print or fox print?



Having said that, I think I've just seen a rat/mouse under my bird feeders!

 

I think it is a fox looking forward to the future with a new patch, family etc. My mum manages the wildlife garden at our local animal rescue and she has recently seen signs of a new 'path' and potential launch marks on the fence from the fox climbing over. Mother Nature has got her engines revved early this year! :-)

 

Well any fox is welcome in my garden - I may even leave food out for it. The rats, not so much.

 

Foxes eat rats. Rats will eat food left out for birds, hedgehogs and foxes.

 

Is it hobbitses, precious?

 

I've just caught the culprit in the act. Funny looking fox

 

I'm glad the mystery is solved!

 

and so innocent looking as well

 

Not me mum,honest best looking fox I've seen for a long time.

 

Update : neighbour told me last weekend that he had found a hole where he thinks rats have been digging to try and get under the patio at that end of the garden, so the reason Timmy started digging was probably to get at the rats. Thought it was odd that after 8 years at this house he's only just decided to start digging.