I smell a rat - maybe

Not so much as a trip report but wanting info about a little visitor

Just had a few days in North Cornwall car camping with the trouble and strife, so we were using the big tent.

But by way of a report - Saturday and Sunday, cool, but got a suntan while walking from Constantine Bay to Padstow - Crystal clear.

Monday - what I term to be typical Cornish Weather - Wet and Windy I headed to Bodmin Moor and decided to have a bit of Rough (Tor) and sit on a Brown Willy.  Why do hills have such strange names.  

Over night we had a visitor, I just thought it was a hedgehog which I am quite used to. Though in hindsight, the patter of feet was a bit heavy for that and quite calm.

However, in the morning I found that one of my silicon cooking utensil had been eaten. All the left over food had been thrown away, and everything else sealed. The bite site was nearly 3/4 inch across and needle like marks left.I should have taken a pic, but it was thrown out rapidly.

So, can any tell me, is that a Mutant rat that would have a mouth this big and teeth like that. I never got the impression that a rats mouth would be that big.

In all my years camping etc, never had this happen before and the Mrs was very spooked by it 

(edit just googled images and looks pretty much like it was   - now to scare the Mrs more

Include a little history in your walks. Pecsaetan - Ancient Derbyshire, Staffordshire and South Yorkshire - http://pecsaetan.weebly.com/

twiglegs wrote (see)

Stoat?, mink maybe. ?

Maybe it was lots of little bites that looked like a single bite?

A friend had the rubber sole on his trail shoe munched on by a bothy mouse. It looked like a single bite.

You should've camped with me and The Teesdale Viking in the Lakes , Chewie. We only got pestered by rabbits and jackdaws there whereas you obviously had a lucky escape from one the Beast Of Bodmin's cubs. Where were you pitched, BTW?

Padstow to Constantine Bay is a particularly pleasant walk, innit? Did you spot Round Hole above Trevone and Chimney Rock at Porthmissen Bridge? You probably walked right past Rick Stein's house too.

That bastard Skip wrote (see)

You should've camped with me and The Teesdale Viking in the Lakes , Chewie. We only got pestered by rabbits and jackdaws there whereas you obviously had a lucky escape from one the Beast Of Bodmin's cubs. Where were you pitched, BTW?

Padstow to Constantine Bay is a particularly pleasant walk, innit? Did you spot Round Hole above Trevone and Chimney Rock at Porthmissen Bridge? You probably walked right past Rick Stein's house too.

Skip, We pitched at really basic site at St Teath - not recommended and not just because of the wildlife.

If I had my way, I would have headed North but have to earn some passes Have got the rest of the week of so may be able to get up for night or 2.

It is a really pleasant stroll nice and nothing too hilly for a "certain person who doesnt like hills or inclines".

I was aware of the Round Hole, it's strange walking up to it from Trevone - looks like it is a little quarry, then whoops - dont go any further about 200 ft drop with no fencing - I saw a stack of DofE groups looking over the edge. 

I wonder of Rick Stein has had to sell the place with the divorce etc, but cracking spot. 

TP wrote (see)

If it was mink you'd have your stuff trashed. They're known for causing damage for fun. I know of a pair seen entering a canal barge then leaving half hour later. When the owners got back the damage was shocking. The insurance payout was abt £20000!!! Nasty critters. Wld rather have a eat visit. Btw mice per a lot as they walk apparently so actually worse than rats which actually tend to be cleaner animals. At least that's what an ecologist I met told me.

Its one of these ..... eeeek!

Bedouin wrote (see)

Its one of these ..... eeeek!

Include a little history in your walks. Pecsaetan - Ancient Derbyshire, Staffordshire and South Yorkshire - http://pecsaetan.weebly.com/

Don't forget the snakes, spiders, centipeds, etc. Stephen

 Oh, and other stuff like Posion Ivy, Giant Hogweed, etc.

huskyman wrote (see)

Don't forget the snakes, spiders, centipeds, etc. Stephen

 Oh, and other stuff like Posion Ivy, Giant Hogweed, etc.

Include a little history in your walks. Pecsaetan - Ancient Derbyshire, Staffordshire and South Yorkshire - http://pecsaetan.weebly.com/

Ack, sure you survived Galtees

 After that you can survive anything

JM&J...... Loose Killer Ewes on the loose!!!

 Oh feck, they'd eat anything............

 Especially the ones from Cobh