Is this a Wolf Track?

T

tommyguitar

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
Location
West Kootenays
The horses have been a little extra fresh in the morning when I feed the last while. I think I know why. That is a BIG dog. My hand is 4.5" across the palm. If he has been chasing the horses, I am going to introduce him to Mr. Paintball gun.
Do you think it could be a wolf?
68252_1762632707821_1299183344_31909451_7980958_n.jpg
 
Don't forget that just a tiny bit of melting will make the tracks look a little larger than the really are, but yes that looks like a wolf track to me. I don't think I'd want to confront it with just a paintball gun though :p
 
If you're close to the city, it's unlikely to be a wolf. Large coyote!

I dunno about coyotes in your area, but around MY place (western edge of town near 101st SW) they are MASSIVE. There was one running behind my yard this morning, and it was almost the size of a big german shepherd (it was a coyote, not a german shepherd.. ;)). WAAY bigger than the little suckers i used to shoot out east of town. Maybe cross-breeds with domestic dogs?
 
wolf vs. coyote

I am no expert.

However, taken from this page: h ttp://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/natcul/natcul18.aspx

Characteristics of Coyote Tracks
Coyote Track
© Parks Canada
Four toe pads
Claws show
Elongated, symmetrical footprint
Hind print slight smaller
Average print 6.4 cm long (2.5 inches)
Smaller than wolf track

coyote_track.ashx



Characteristics of Wolf Tracks
Wolf Track
© Parks Canada
Four toe pads
Claws show or form drag marks
Elongated foot print, symmetrical
Triangular heel pad
Often travel in trenches through deep snow
Hind print slightly smaller
Tracks 10 - 12 cm long (about 4 - 4.5 inches)
Larger than coyote track

wolf_track.ashx



I would guess that your track is a wolf.
68252_1762632707821_1299183344_31909451_7980958_n.jpg


In comparison my track which I assumed was a wolf at the time, is pictured here.

100_0100.jpg


This is taken beside a 2 3/4 shell that when unfired is only 2.5 inches (I think).

Both the side pads on my track and yours look more pointy than the governments tracks, though I don't know if that indicates anything.

One thing I do know is that I would like to become an expert tracker.
 
After seeing he's not near Calgary, my vote changes to WOLF. I thought it was odd to see a wolf so close to town, but if he's in BC, I'm guessing wolf.

Plus, if H4831 says it's a wolf track, I'll believe him. :)
 
Thats a nice size wolf. They can get bigger in the Rockies and the foot hills, but nevertheless a good size. A dominant male and breeding ##### are usually the biggest in the pack. Don't kid yourself, when there is one set of prints, there are others you don't see. I wouldn't worry about them. Wolves don't want anything to do with humans. I introduced Mr. Mosin to a few wolves earlier this fall, they didn't stick around very long. The biggest one I shot was about 180 pounds, but there was still a larger one that I couldn't get a shot at.
 
What say ye experts about these tracks?

For scale,that's my sz 12 sandal which I just measured at 12.5" long.The heelprint of the sandal,which is approximately the same size as the wolf track(?)is 4.5L X 3.75 wide.By comparing it to my heel-to-toe footprints,I've calculated the stride of this canine to be 30-32".

newcanonpics004.jpg


newcanonpics002.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom