Fresh snow yields fresh tracks! But how can you tell if you are tracking a coyote, your neighbor’s dog, or the return of the cougar? Here are some helpful hints:
Cats, including cougars, have retractable claws, therefore you will not typically see them in their prints. Cat prints are also wider than they are long.
Dogs and Coyotes are a little tougher to distinguish. In general, a coyote’s toes are positioned closer together, whereas a dog’s toes splay out more. However, sometimes in soft conditions, such as mud or snow, a Coyote might spread as well. A dog’s toenails will appear bold and blunt whereas a Coyote’s will be sharper and closer together. Both prints are longer than they are wide. It is also helpful to look at the big picture. A Dog is more likely to wander in their path, but a coyote will be much more intentional with their movements.
Don’t be fooled: If you see a print that registers as a cat, it may be that of a bobcat, which would be much smaller than a cougar or an average dog print.