Unknown critter tracks

[BruceK]

More photos. Note that there was a thin layer of ice on the snow in many places which is why some of the prints wind up being not too legible. Regarding photo #4 I can't say that I've ever seen a series of tracks like that.

Photo #2: Paw Prints #2

Photo #3: Paw Prints #3

Photo #4: Paw Prints #4

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Zombie Ground Hog from Hell, if you ask me. Better lock up the women. You can always get more kids.

[James MacMillan]

I think what you have there is a variation on the basic brown dog.

[BoldHighlander]

More photos. Note that there was a thin layer of ice on the snow in many places which is why some of the prints wind up being not too legible. Regarding photo #4 I can't say that I've ever seen a series of tracks like that.

Photo #2: Paw Prints #2

Photo #3: Paw Prints #3

Photo #4: Paw Prints #4

At first glance (and without being there) I'd say big cat, e.g. cougar. Having grown up in big cat country & seeing my share I'd guess that, for lack of claw marks.

However one thing also to remember is prints also tend to get larger as they thaw & refreeze, though these don't look too distorted.

What is throwing me is your photo #4. What is that center lone impression?
Is that a paw print? It's hard to tell, and doesn't look exactly like one. If not I'd guess its where the tail of a big cat is brushing the surface.

I have friends in Upper New York & across the border in Canada who recreate Butler's Rangers & the Indian Dept., and have reported big cats in the state during their back country treks.

Ever since the anti's voted to do away with hunting big cats w/ hounds around here we've had a population explosion & they've been losing their fear of man & dog. We get them in town every once in awhile!

[Panache]

The Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess took a look over my shoulder and says it some type of cat.

Cheers

Jamie

[TheSp8]

Pic #4 looks like a running rabbit breaking through the thin layer of ice. Some of the others look like there is a slight bit of claw mark which would make it a canine. It's tough with pics though. That's my guess anyway.

YMOS,
Tony

[BoldHighlander]

Pic #4 looks like a running rabbit breaking through the thin layer of ice. Some of the others look like there is a slight bit of claw mark which would make it a canine. It's tough with pics though. That's my guess anyway.

That is the problem, without actually being there & seeing the pattern etc across the snow, we can only give our best guesses

[BruceK]

At first glance (and without being there) I'd say big cat, e.g. cougar. Having grown up in big cat country & seeing my share I'd guess that, for lack of claw marks.

However one thing also to remember is prints also tend to get larger as they thaw & refreeze, though these don't look too distorted.

What is throwing me is your photo #4. What is that center lone impression?
Is that a paw print? It's hard to tell, and doesn't look exactly like one. If not I'd guess its where the tail of a big cat is brushing the surface.

I took the pictures pretty early in the morning. And it being Rochester there was no sing of the sun to affect the tracks.

Regarding photo #4, it almost looks as if the animal was jumping or pouncing and the center lone impression appeared to be two legs (rear legs?) side-by-side. But because of the crust of ice on the snow most of those tracks are illegible.

I'm going to try contacting some local people for opinions tomorrow assuming they're open.

[BoldHighlander]

I took the pictures pretty early in the morning. And it being Rochester there was no sing of the sun to affect the tracks.

Regarding photo #4, it almost looks as if the animal was jumping or pouncing and the center lone impression appeared to be two legs (rear legs?) side-by-side. But because of the crust of ice on the snow most of those tracks are illegible.

I'm going to try contacting some local people for opinions tomorrow assuming they're open.

Thanks. One last thought/question: were there any other animal tracks (unlike these) in the area, especially near the "jumping" ones? Just curious...

I for one will be interested in hearing what the local folks think.

[BruceK]

Thanks. One last thought/question: were there any other animal tracks (unlike these) in the area, especially near the "jumping" ones? Just curious...

I for one will be interested in hearing what the local folks think.

No, not that I could see. And from the number of tracks there was either more than one of whatever it was or the animal spent a LOT of time poking around the house. But I couldn't see any fresh signs of other tracks. And, unfortunately, it rained today so the tracks are gone. <sigh>