What tracks are these?

[BillMiddlebrook]

This previously-posted pic actually shows snowshoe hare prints:

hare.jpeg (49.53 KiB) Viewed 880 times

[onebyone]

This previously-posted pic actually shows snowshoe hare prints:

hare.jpeg

Yup. The rear of bobcat tracks don’t extend out like that. Bobcat tracks look like mtn lion tracks but half size or smaller.

[onebyone]

This previously-posted pic actually shows snowshoe hare prints:

hare.jpeg

Yup. The rear of bobcat tracks don’t extend out like that. Bobcat tracks look like mtn lion tracks but half size or smaller.

Pine Martin tracks sometimes can look a bit like that but with claws. Depending on the gait at the time.

[Squirrellysquirrel]

This previously-posted pic actually shows snowshoe hare prints:

Hm. I could see that, maybe...? That’s a pretty big hare if that’s the case! Wouldn’t be surprised tho, I’ve seen some fatties on the trail out here.

Some extra information? The pad wasn’t terribly elongated for most of the prints, added another 4-paw picture of same animal here for clarity. I *guessed* the print appears elongated in the previous image because of potential fur on the back of the leg distorting the print? The print was on fairly fresh powder (1-2” worth) and not totally compact snow. Also the collection of print-pattern, literally trotting up the trail, was in 4-foot diagonal formation mostly, except when it went to jump over something, then it took on a “crouch” pattern. Not the characteristic “bunny” hop pattern, but I could certainly be wrong. Would be great to get more input from the forum.

Snowshoe hare:
https://www.hww.ca/en/wildlife/mammals/ ... -hare.html
Note: I’ve included a single snowshoe hare track here for comparison purposes, taken on a different day/trail...

Pine Martin tracks sometimes can look a bit like that but with claws. Depending on the gait at the time.

Not sold on the Pine Marten tracks. No claws present. Marten’s have 5 toes, yes? And have a smaller print, maybe 2 inches or so at most. These prints were about 2-2.5”, wish I put my BCA stick beside instead of my glove.

[onebyone]

They are not pine marten tracks. They are closer to pine marten tracks than bob cat tracks. Pine martens will have clear thin claws.

But also, the tracks you were looking at probably got bigger since they were first made. Pretty normal.

[Squirrellysquirrel]

[quote=BillMiddlebrook post_id=732440 time=<a href="tel:1609594511">1609594511</a> user_id=3]
This previously-posted pic actually shows snowshoe hare prints:

hare.jpeg
[/quote]


Hey BillMiddlebrook! I do believe you’re right! Thanks

Yesterday while out hiking, I spied a fatty hare across an open field, watched it for a bit, and then examined its tracks. Sure enough, it has the same feel as the other tracks, similar grouping pattern. Perhaps the less elongated prints from earlier: the hare was using tip-toes rather than the whole foot? The big versus small print was throwing me off as well, better suited for a super fatty, bunny-like beast.

Ironically, when examining the tracks, it perpendicularly crossed another set of tracks that have a gait and print of a small cat from the day before. They aren’t as clear, so be pressed to identify correctly. Included here for a nice comparison between gait and print size.

Appreciate the information, everyone. Always up for learning new things!

[Squirrellysquirrel]

Got a new set, taken yesterday... maybe 1-2 days old? Found in treeline around water source, on trail.

[CaptCO]

Isn’t 4 tips + a hexish base a cougar? I only have experience with the human kind

[nyker]

Got a new set, taken yesterday... maybe 1-2 days old? Found in treeline around water source, on trail.

I'd say that second larger set of prints is a cougar, maybe a younger one or female.

[CaptCO]

Got a new set, taken yesterday... maybe 1-2 days old? Found in treeline around water source, on trail.

I'd say that second larger set of prints is a cougar, maybe a younger one or female.

‘Magine this big kitty coming up to your tent for a snack **I don’t condone killing without eating or making use of all the meat

[Squirrellysquirrel]

Yep. Unique base and 4 toes, no claw marks. That was what I was thinking.

[quote=Squirrellysquirrel post_id=732560 time=<a href="tel:1609771979">1609771979</a> user_id=80758]
Got a new set, taken yesterday... maybe 1-2 days old? Found in treeline around water source, on trail.

I'd say that second larger set of prints is a cougar, maybe a younger one or female.
[/quote]


How can you tell it’s a female? The prints look adolescent? I thought they looked maybe a little older than that?

...and thanks, but no thanks Captain CO: I’m cutting back on the kitty snacks this year. I hope that cat is drugged.

[nyker]

this page might be of interest for identifying tracks in the snow this winter, some crossover wildlife between east coast and the Rockies...

https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/administrat ... racks1.pdf