Mystery mammal prints - can anyone ID?

vole-woman · #1 (**permalink**) 31-01-2009, 02:52 PM

This was in the mud by a stream in a field, North Shropshire.

vole-woman · #2 (**permalink**) 31-01-2009, 03:01 PM

paulthomas · #3 (**permalink**) 31-01-2009, 03:45 PM

I've just had a good look through my copy of" Animals Tracks, Trails and Signs." The nearest I can find would be Rabbit. After that Porcupine which is rather clutching at straws. Or should that be quills

Hopefully someone will come up with a positive ID.

Hedge Witch · #4 (**permalink**) 31-01-2009, 03:54 PM

I looked in a tracks and signs book, and I was coming up with Raccoon, Beaver and Coypu

Tricky one

natureguy · #5 (**permalink**) 31-01-2009, 04:00 PM

Just to be different I'm going to say Badger

Hedge Witch · #6 (**permalink**) 31-01-2009, 04:05 PM

What about Squirrel?

Wild-Woman · #7 (**permalink**) 31-01-2009, 04:52 PM

I think Rabbit.

Hedge Witch · #8 (**permalink**) 31-01-2009, 05:04 PM

I'm now going with Badger.

camo · #9 (**permalink**) 31-01-2009, 07:52 PM

Hi Vole Woman

I think the first print may be misleading and could be a front foot print on top of a hind foot print. My first thought was that it was on the large side for a Rabbit however Hare prints tend to be more pointed. The ground looks very soft which has allowed the hairy hind leg to leave an impression. When running both Hare and Rabbit plant the front foot behind the hind leg so If my theory is correct it was either resting or feeding. I would plump for either a large Rabbit or a small Hare.

However I am not convinced.

Roy