Regardless of preferred terminology, it’s important to realize that most species can move in a variety of gaits and at a range of speeds, but each species has one or more typical or preferred gaits, and therefore commonly creates certain patterns. Here I am referring to the pattern of tracks the animal leaves behind as it travels, so it is more properly called a track pattern, but for some reason “trail pattern” has become popular. Which characteristic features does this bobcat track show? Which ones does it not show? Is it a left or a right track? Bobcat Tracks and Trail Patterns: The Patterns The negative space between the large pad and the toe pads is C-shaped.The large pad, often called the heel or palm pad (but more properly called the metacarpal pad in front tracks and metatarsal pad in hind tracks):.The toe arrangement is asymmetric in a way that is similar to most human hands.Claw marks usually do not show, since cats often keep their claws retracted.Overall track shape is roundish, especially the front tracks.The characteristic features of the tracks are The average width of a bobcat tracks is about 2 inches (with a range of about 1.5 – 2.5 inches). Bobcat Tracks and Trail Patterns: The TracksĪs I mentioned above, bobcat tracks look a lot of house cat tracks, except that they are about twice as large. In that case, knowing something about bobcat behavior can help you determine the species, and in general can enhance your ability to interpret the story in the snow or sand or mud. ![]() But so often the tracks we find are indistinct and stretches of the trail are difficult or impossible to see. Once you have internalized the appearance of the tracks and trails, diagnosis is straightforward in excellent tracking conditions. ![]() Bobcat tracks and trail patterns (also called track patterns) are similar in appearance to those of the domestic cat, but their measurements are bigger…by about a factor of two. Though the bobcat ( Lynx rufus) is common and widespread, it is usually shy and secretive so you are more likely to see its foot prints than the animal itself. A bobcat, Lynx rufus, captured by camera trap
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |