Track Identification

Cat

Rabbit

➢ 4 toes on each foot ➢ 4 toes on each foot

➢ round tracks ➢ oval tracks

➢ no claw marks ➢ front of skid has claw marks

➢ hind paws narrower ➢ almost impossible to see pads

Dog, Fox, Coyote Raccoon ( Dog family) ➢ 5 toes on each foot ➢ 4 toes on each foot

➢ toes close together ➢ tracks maple leaf shaped

or egg shaped ➢ toes long and finger shaped

➢ claw marks appear ➢ claw marks appear

➢ front feet larger

Weasel, Skunk, Mink Opossum (Weasel Family)

➢ 5 toes on each foot ➢ 5 toes on each foot

➢ toes spread widely ➢ toes close together

➢ toes long and finger shaped ➢ toes short and round

➢ no claw mark on hind thumbs ➢ some partially webbed

Mice, Squirrels, etc. (Rodent Family) Deer ➢ 4 toes on front feet, 5 toes on hind feet ➢ 2 toes on each foot

➢ tracks are paired when bounding ➢ front feet show dew claws

➢ hind feet step in fore feet ➢ size of track is important in tracks separating species

➢ may leave tail mark

Walking Gaits

Pace Diagonal Walk (Raccoon) (Dog Family, Cat, Deer, Opossum)

Move both left feet together, Left front, right hind, right then both right feet front, left hind

Bound Gallop (Weasel Family) (Rodent Family, Rabbit)

Move both front feet together, Move both feet together, then then both hind feet move both hind feet Place hind feet behind front feet Place hind feet ahead of front feet