Badger Prints?

[Stomperone]

I know nothing much about animal prints but have seen a several wildlife programmes on TV.. I went out to Lopwell dam today and came across these prints.. I dont think it was a dog and I tried guessing what animal made these tracks and I decided it was more than likely a Badger print.... The print was just under 3" from back to tip of claw and in this picture i think it also shows the back foot which did not appear to have such large claws if any ... Out of interest it would be good to know if my guess was correct .. Hope the photo is clear enough to tell.

[Meta menardi]

My guess would be that it is Badger, 5 clawed toes and a wide print. Not an expert (at anything) but I have a little book (Hamlyn Guide, Animals, tracks trails and signs).

[mystic meg]

Yes, thats definately a Badger print, even though we deal with alot of Badger casualities I love finding signs of Badgers in the wild, their paw print is so unique. I have always wanted to have a Badger paw print tatoo, put somwhere on my body, thats not going to sag

[coasty]

Yep looks like a Badger print and a nice clear one,, The five toes in almost a row are very distinctive as is the wide single pad,,,

I can recomend a book called Nature Detective by Hugh Falkus as a great read and useful source of info its out of print now but ABE books and Ebay are a good source,,,,

Andy

[Stomperone]

Thanks to all .. I am quite pleased with myself at guessing this.. Was half expecting someone to say it was Otter tracks which was my second guess as they looked a bit too big for an Otter.. Plus they were on a track pretty close to a river ..

[Muggsy]

Originally Posted by coasty

I can recomend a book called Nature Detective by Hugh Falkus as a great read

Andy

excellent book. I contacted Mr Falkus soon after this book came out, mentioned the fact that the rubber ring pictured in the pellet, was in fact a castrating ring used on lambs, not, as he thought, a ring from a childs toy, pleased as punch he was.

[Mr Mag00]

nice print, clear and very distinctive. Im currently brushing up on track and signs as leading a walk in a couple of weeks, first one for a while!!