|
Wolf Identification
The photo above shows two wolf tracks the front and hind
foot, and a (smaller) coyote track. Wolf tracks are
usually twice the size of coyote tracks. Tracks of both
species are more oval shaped "canine-like" and similar
to dog tracks.
The two center toes of a wolf or coyote "canine track"
are farther forward than the two center toes of a cougar
"cat track" as shown in photos to the right.
The
single track above shows the size of
a wolf's hind foot, which without
claws is usually 3.4-4.2" long and
2.8-3.8" wide. Notice the elongated
oval shape of the toes and the
overall track shape verses the
rounder shape of cougar toes and the
rounder shape of the cougar tracks
shown to the right. Wolves and
coyotes (canines) walk with their
toe nails protruding which causes
the pointed nail mark on the end of
the toes.
This is an inline, "directly
registered" walking wolf track set,
meaning the wolf's hind foot is
placed exactly in the front foot
track. The tracks are 24" apart,
which is a typical stride length for
a wolf when walking.
A
wolf's hind foot is smaller in size and generally placed in
front of the hind foot when trotting. There are pointed claw
marks on the end of the toes made by the protruding toe nails.
The
above tracks were made by a single trotting
wolf. These trotting wolf tracks are spaced
about 3 feet apart.
|
First wolf taken on 2009 Idaho Hunt. Notice the
large head, broader snout, and larger body size. |
|
Large Coyote taken in Washington. Notice the small
head, narrow snout, and smaller body size. |
|
The photo above shows a cougar
track which is more round shaped "cat-like" and similar to
oversized domestic cat tracks. Cougar tracks are larger than
coyote tracks, but smaller than wolf tracks. |
|
The toes of a cougar (above) are more rounded than the toes of a
wolf. A cougar track also has a rounder appearance and there are
no toenail marks at the end of the toes of a cougar track
because cats walk with their claws retracted. |
|
Wolf on Trail
Cam, Methow Valley |
|
Twisp Area, Okanogan County |
|
Wolf on Trail
Cam, Methow Valley |
|
Trail Cam Photo Of Gray Wolf |
|
Predation, Methow Valley |
|
Confirmed Wolf Predation, Live Cow |
