What made this mark in the sand??

Post by **Chris_W** » Jul 07, 2004 12:17 am

We often seen interesting tracks in the sand, but this one was a surprise. We actually found three markings just like this, very far apart. I got thinking that maybe a ground hog made this mark when sitting upright.

Any thoughts as to what made this?

Snow · Post by **Snow** » Jul 07, 2004 12:24 am

A groundhog track will have four toes in the front, and five in the back. Back feet are about 2 1/2 inches in diameter, front feet are about 2 inches. Does that help?

Snow · Post by **Snow** » Jul 07, 2004 12:27 am

Here is a map of various wildlife tracks:

http://www.cityofmelrose.org/department ... tracks.jpg

Old earth dog · Post by **Old earth dog** » Jul 07, 2004 12:30 am

Very interesting track. Especially when compaired with the shoe print next to it. I"ve seen lots of groundhog, coon, possum, etc tracks. That doesn't look like anything I've seen. Any better pics?
p.s.

I'd stay in the house after the sun goes down!

Blackkat · Post by **Blackkat** » Jul 07, 2004 1:26 am

Anyone ever see the classic sci-fi movie "Forbidden Planet"? Sort of looks like the footprint of the invisible alien monster. Not helpful - am I?

Post by **Chris_W** » Jul 07, 2004 8:35 am

Thanks guys. That's the only photo I took, but I'll keep an eye out. Like I said there were 3 prints just like this one.

From searching various websites it looks like a large cat could have made this mark since cats don't leave claw impressions.

At first I thought maybe someone was playing tricks on me, but then found the other tracks just like it

jmboyer · Post by **jmboyer** » Jul 07, 2004 8:59 am

That is so fascinating, Chris. I can't help, but I hope you find out what it was that passed through your property. Let us know if you do.

Snow · Post by **Snow** » Jul 07, 2004 9:31 am

I would like to see more pictures. I was thinking even possibly bear - but it's hard to tell from the picture.

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Jul 07, 2004 10:51 am

I was thinking a bear also... see if you can get more pics Chris.. also.. measure the thing.. that might help..

rosemarie · Post by **rosemarie** » Jul 07, 2004 11:26 am

BEAR????

For sure, don't go out at night! I especially like the shoe print.

Snow · Post by **Snow** » Jul 07, 2004 1:12 pm

This is what I am seeing ... (looks like a good-sized animal to me)

janet · Post by **janet** » Jul 07, 2004 1:24 pm

It would be a very rare bear indeed that far south in Michigan! More apt to be a coyote or bobcat IMO.

Post by **Chris_W** » Jul 07, 2004 1:24 pm

I'll have to ask the neighbors if there have been any unusual sightings, lights in the sky, etc.

The wildlife we have seen so far includes:

Rabbits, Groundhog, Mink, domestic cats, Skunk, Raccoon, Opposum, Deer, Wild Turkey, Otter.

We heard coyote one night.

If that is a 4th pad mark to the left side it could be a huge cat of some kind. But I don't think the other tracks had a 4th mark.

Trust me, I'll be keeping an eye out for something and for more markings!

Snow · Post by **Snow** » Jul 07, 2004 1:28 pm

Well I dont see the heel pad that you typically see with a bear track. Hopefully another picture will capture exactly what it looks like

And measure it, Chris, if you can.

Post by **Chris_W** » Jul 07, 2004 1:33 pm

After comparing and searching I don't think it is a bear. The more I look at pictures it looks more like a large cat (if this was indeed a mark made by a single paw and not multiple marks made by something like a rabbit standing on its butt).

I'll get out there later and check some more.

Thanks a lot for the detective help

Snow · Post by **Snow** » Jul 07, 2004 1:43 pm

I am a natural born wildlife detective

Soummer · Post by **Soummer** » Jul 07, 2004 3:26 pm

Chris, was this at the lake, or your new location?

Janet
wondering if she should warn her mother!

Post by **Chris_W** » Jul 07, 2004 3:59 pm

At the new location. There is a lot of wilderness there, which is part of why we like it so much. I've never seen so many fireflies (lightning bugs) in my life!

petal*pusher · Post by **petal*pusher** » Jul 07, 2004 5:41 pm

Chris.....you are only a half hour away from some of us here in Adrian.

Hmmmm.........I think your pic looks pretty much like some big cat also.......exciting!! Don't know if you and Brian ever heard this, but there are tons of rumors about big cats here in this area!!

Several years ago, we read stories about a "Manchester Panther".......I DO know there are Bobcat in this area....(saw 2 when I was a kid).....but, unless you have tiny feet, that's not a bobcat. My brother-in-law that lives in the Ogden area has seen a HUGE black cat there a few times......when telling a neighboring farmer, he was told that many have seen it and they believe it to be a panther!

My husband is a surveyor and often works in your area......he has seen tracks like this also and is convinced they are from some variety of big cat, perhaps a cougar!!

Exciting!! Such a compliment that he feels comfy at your place!......p

Old earth dog · Post by **Old earth dog** » Jul 07, 2004 9:37 pm

A 30 lb Bobcat can leave quite a large print. That would make the most sense to me.
If that's a groundhog sitting up, I see the butt print, two foot prints and another print in the middle.