Bobcat Tracks in Snow

One of our biologists was able to identify some Bobcat Tracks on the rocks at North Lookout. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are secretive and nocturnal, so often their tracks are the most you will see of them. To identify, look for four toes on both front and hind prints, and an M-shaped heel pad (two “lobes” at the front and three in the back). To differentiate feline tracks (bobcat, puma, cat) from canine tracks (fox, coyote, dog), check for claw marks—feline species have retractable claws that will often not appear in a track. Canine species are unable to retract their claws, therefore creating a noticeable print. 

Photo by Bracken Brown.