Track Groupings


These groups of animals are broken up according to similar track and movement characteristics.  Characteristics and average measurements
are provided within this photo library to aid in keying out mammal tracks.  Measurements are those taken in the field from an "average" animal,
using the gait that it most commonly uses.
 

 
 
 
Weasel Family
  • 5 toes on all feet (all 5 do not always show)
  • claws visible
  • Tracks often show a bounding pattern 
  • This group includes River Otter, Skunks, Mink, Weasels, Badgers, Wolverines, and Ferrets.



 
 

 Dog Family
  • 4 toes on all feet
  • Claws generally showing.
  • Gait usually a walk or trot.
  • Includes many sizes of domestic dog, coyotes, wolves, and foxes.


 Rodents
  • 4 toes in front tracks, 5 toes in rear tracks
  • Most are very small.
  • Smaller members usually show a bounding pattern.
  • Includes mice, rats, beaver, muskrat, nutria, and many other members.

Insectivores - Generally small and similar to rodents in the United 
States, but have 5 toes in both the front and the rear tracks.

 Cat Group
  • 4 toes on all tracks
  • round overall shape to track
  • rear track often falls directly in front track

 
 
Rabbits and Hares
  • 4 toes in front and rear tracks
  • Often displays a bounding pattern.
 Hooved Mammals
  • Usually made by a fairly heavy animal.
  • Usually fairly large in size.
  • Includes deer, horses, and other ungulates.

Miscellaneous Mammals

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*Produced by Travis Brown 2-22-02