It's not poop, it is scat

Getting middle-schoolers to use the word "scat" can be a challenge on a hike.

During a quick walk along trails at Sheldon Lake in 40-degree weather we encountered several piles of scat. There are always ewwws or giggles.

The scat comprised mostly of seeds probably were left by raccoons or possums.

Then there was scat with fur and seeds. An omnivore was here, it was concluded. There was discussion about a coyote as a possible culprit.

"It scatted it out," a kid announced.