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Unusual black animal spotted in garden in Church Path, Deal

This unusual black animal has been spotted stealing fish from a garden pond in Deal today.

Mum-of-one Samantha Simmonds posted a picture of the creature on Facebook at about 8.30am asking if anybody knew what is was.

It was spotted at the back of a house in Church Path.

It was spotted on the family's patio at 8.15am
It was spotted on the family's patio at 8.15am

Social media users went straight into a debate over whether it was an otter or a polecat.

Others even suggested it could be an American mink.

The animal was first spotted by Miss Simmonds' partner, Richard Hill, at 8.15am this morning.

What could it be?
What could it be?

Miss Simmonds said: “Something caught his eye and he went out. He stood about a foot apart from it. It seemed relatively timid.

“It was just sitting on the patio. We thought it wanted a drink and it went over to the pond and stole a fish then went into the shed.”

The family has also put cat food out for it.

The 29-year-old added: “It’s very strange. I don’t think it would hurt anybody. If it was going to it would have done so earlier.”

The family last checked their shed about four days ago and now think the creature could have been living in it since then.

She said: “There’s now a hole in door."

Both her cat and neighbour’s pugs have been acting differently in the past week.

The black animal in a garden in Church Path, Deal
The black animal in a garden in Church Path, Deal
The creature may have been living in the family's shed.
The creature may have been living in the family's shed.
The creature has taken a liking to the fish in the pond
The creature has taken a liking to the fish in the pond

“They must have been able to scent it,” she said.

The animal remains in the shed and Miss Simmonds has contacted a rescue centre who will collect the creature today.

Could this creature belong to you? Telephone us on 01304 365526.

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