What puts mud on trees?

[stuckmotor]

I wonder. Does one of you "suspect animals" get muddy enough to leave a mark on a tree when it rubs?? The only animals that I know who "work with mud" - - beavers and muskrats.

There's a great deal of white on the local skunks. It's often tinted orange from red clay. I try and stay away so I don't know if it's ever caked on.

 

[sea2summit]

Hog(s).

Final answer.

 

[sea2summit]

Hog track, notice the squareness compared to a deer.

 

[EddieWalker]

Hogs do this all the time to scratch themselves. Creosote on power poles is their favorite!!!!

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Hog(s).

Final answer.

Agree. I recall farmers setting rubbing posts in the hog pens, covering them with gunny cloth and soaking them in insecticide, so they could scratch and kill vermin at the same time.

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[setxjeff]

Looks like wild hogs. They will sometimes find a favorite tree and it will end up glossy with mud with stiff hairs sticking out.

 

[wagne223]

Hogs.......
Insects bite hogs. They cover themselves in mud in attempt to stop insects. Then rub on trees, posts, fences, ect to scratch the itch leaving mud evidence behind.
You might be able to find the waller nearby. A 2-3 foot circular depression in the mud.

 

[MossRoad]

 

[stuckmotor]

Hog track, notice the squareness compared to a deer.
View attachment 743837

Is the track going from left to right across the screen as you see it? My vision is poor.

 

[sea2summit]

Is the track going from left to right across the screen as you see it? My vision is poor.

Appears so but you could convince me otherwise as well, light angle is messing with me.