Finding a mountain lion track can be thrilling, a stark reminder that humans aren’t the only large predators in the wild. While a sense of unease might be natural, the actual risk of a mountain lion attack is statistically low compared to other hiking hazards. This article focuses on identifying mountain lion tracks, specifically addressing their size in relation to human scale and other animals.
Mountain Lion Track Size: A Key Identifier
Identifying a mountain lion track begins with assessing its size. These tracks are significantly larger than those of smaller carnivores like bobcats, foxes, or coyotes.
-
Mountain Lion Front Paw: 2.75 – 3.875 inches long x 2.875 – 4.875 inches wide. To visualize this, consider the average adult human hand span, which is roughly 7-8 inches. A mountain lion’s front paw print could cover a significant portion of your palm.
-
Mountain Lion Rear Paw: 3.0 – 4.125 inches long x 2.56 – 4.875 inches wide. The rear paw is often slightly longer than the front.
By comparison, a bobcat’s paw print is considerably smaller:
-
Bobcat Front Paw: 1.625 – 2.375 inches long x 1.375 – 2.5 inches wide.
-
Bobcat Rear Paw: 1.563 – 2.375 inches long x 1.188 – 2.5 inches wide.
A ruler is a valuable tool for accurately measuring track dimensions in the field. This direct comparison highlights the substantial size difference between a mountain lion and a bobcat, emphasizing the mountain lion’s formidable size relative to a human.
Distinguishing Cat from Canine Tracks
Beyond size, several key features differentiate cat and dog tracks:
- Claw Marks: Cats, including mountain lions, have retractable claws that usually don’t show in their tracks. Visible claw marks often indicate a canine.
-
Track Shape: Dog tracks are typically longer than they are wide, while cat tracks are often wider than long. The negative space within the track also provides clues. An arc can often be drawn between the toes and heel pad of a cat track, while an “X” can be drawn between the toes of a dog track without touching the heel pad.
-
Heel Pad: The rear edge of a mountain lion’s heel pad has a distinctive three-lobed shape, resembling an “M” or “E.” Dog heel pads have two lobes.
Identifying Left and Right Paws
Mountain lion tracks, like human hands, are asymmetrical. Two methods can help determine whether a track is left or right:
-
Method 1 (The Middle Toe): A mountain lion’s middle toe extends farthest forward, just like a human middle finger. By orienting the track with the longest toe pointing forward, you can determine which foot it represents.
-
Method 2 (The Straight Line): A straightedge can be placed across the tips of the outer three toes of a mountain lion track without intersecting the second toe. These three aligned toes are always on the outside of the foot.
Front vs. Rear Paw Prints
Mountain lions carry most of their weight on their larger, broader front paws, which also bear the claws used for hunting. Consequently, front paw prints are noticeably larger than rear paw prints.
Factors Affecting Track Appearance
Track size and shape can vary based on terrain, substrate, gait, individual animal characteristics, and age. While general guidelines are helpful, remember that each mountain lion is unique, and its tracks may not perfectly match textbook descriptions.
Understanding the size and characteristics of mountain lion tracks allows for better identification and appreciation of these elusive creatures. While encountering a mountain lion can be unnerving, learning to interpret their tracks fosters a deeper understanding of their presence in the environment.
