Coyote or eastern cougar

[Lloyd_E]

I looked at images on the net for reference - but these prints are very close to the two - coyote or cat.
The line(light soil colour) which the tracks on are truck tire tracks. I measured in some places 5' between strides/paw prints.

These were found in deep woods by my cabin. My grandfather 35-40+ years ago always talked about seeing cougars.
He was a farmer, prospector and woodsman. He worked as a carpenter for the mines company and often took in the geologists for
surveys. If it is not a cat it is a very big coyote or dog. The tracks followed the centre of the road and along the side. It would often zig-zag
across the road.

Can you guys give me a definite answer.

TIA.

Lloyd

 

[weldingisfun]

In the first two pictures imprints from the toenails are clearly visible, which says canine, ie., coyote. But, in picture three no toenail imprints, indicating cat. However, the print in picture three is longer than it is wide, again, canine. In my non-scientific opinion, the prints are from a coyote and I'm sticking to it.:laughing:

 

[MotorSeven]

Coyote/Dog....you don't see the claws in cat prints.

Mammals: Mountain Lion: More

 

[polo1665]

Here's a good site with comparisons between canine and feline tracks. Your tracks seem to be a canine tracks.

Canine vs. Feline Tracks - How to tell the difference between them.

 

[EddieWalker]

Here's a good site with comparisons between canine and feline tracks. Your tracks seem to be a canine tracks.

Canine vs. Feline Tracks - How to tell the difference between them.

Great Link!!! I knew about the claw marks, but forgot what the difference was with the pad of the foot.

Eddie

 

[clemsonfor]

like others you see claws in a canine, none in cats.

 

[Lloyd_E]

Thanks all,

Are these big tracts or do they indicate a big coyote. Up here they are large compared to the western version.
Parks Canada - Cape Breton Highlands National Park - The Eastern Coyote - Our Biggest Dog
Wildlife Techologies--Northeastern Coyotes

We were at the cabin this past weekend with a number of locals who hunt the area and when I showed them the photos they couldn't believe the size of the print.
I took a number of them back the road to show them - they were all impressed with the size and gate of the tracts.