While driving near my home recently, I saw an animal cross the road. It was about the size of a cat, jet black, with a stubby tail about six inches long. What was it?
Isobel McLarnan, Dromard, Co Sligo
It sounds like a mink which are becoming established now as part of the wildlife of this country.
A few months ago I planted some sprouted potatoes which I had bought for the house. They grew and flowered, and when I looked at them on July 20th I saw small fruits, like tomatoes, forming where the flowers had been on the stalks (sample enclosed). How did that come about?
A C Murphy, Killiney, Co Dublin
They are the normal fruit of the potatoes which do not always form on the plants. Potatoes belong to the same botanical family as tomatoes, Solanacea, but these potato fruits are poisonous.
I have read about some apparently successful control of ragwort using the cinnabar moth in the US and Australia. Has it been used successfully nearer home and how safe is it in terms of undesirable side effects?
E. Kelly, Glenageary, Co Dublin
The cinnabar moth is a native of this country and is widespread, and ragwort is the food plant of its caterpillars. They have established a natural balance here, otherwise we might be overrun by ragwort.
We live not far from a river. Could mink have killed our six lovely hens? Are these animals nocturnal, and if so would our hens be safe if we let them out during the day and closed them in safely at night?
Peggy Hanna, Malahide, Co Dublin.
Mink could certainly have killed the hens. They are nocturnal but in undisturbed places they will come out during the day. In a built up area you would probably be safe enough, so long as you have them in before dusk.
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. e-mail: viney@anu.ie. Observations sent by e-mail should be accompanied by postal address as location is sometimes important to identification or behaviour.