An Answer

[poliphilo]

I stepped through a gate and startled a rabbit that just seemed to melt into the ground. When I investigated I found it had taken off down one of the narrow sunken paths that criss-cross the fields. I suppose that answers the question I was asking a few weeks ago about who those paths were made by.

Comments

[moodywho.livejournal.com]

Aha! I had no idea they did that.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

It makes sense that they would follow established paths- especially when moving through long grass.

[porsupah.livejournal.com]

Makes sense - they do tend to follow quite specific pathways sometimes. Across the footpath locally, there are three main spots where they'll cross, down its length. (Rather fun, seeing them leap through the chain-link fence with such ease, even the adults. Quantum burrowing, one assumes =:)

Foxes and other urban wildlife will often behave similarly, frequenting particular routes. None in the immediate vicinity, sadly, though I did spot a fox down at the base of the hillside, near the crossroads. There are, or were, some muntjac in the nearby woods, but AFAIK, they're careful not to wander out into the open, especially not this side, which simply leads into more of the town - they might have a relatively straightforward time getting out and about on the far side, though.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

There are foxes around but not, I think, enough to lay down a network of tracks. I've never seen a badger here- and that just about exhausts the other possible path makers.