Coyotes and wolves and even their domestic counterparts usually trot, and often, gallop in order to get around. By process of elimination, the tracker can usually begin to discern what the tracks probably are by identifying specific features which are either diagnostic of wild cats or domestic or wild canids (dogs).ĭog tracks usually register (show) the animal’s forward moving “style” of locomotion. Upon first investigating a track or tracks, step back and examine the “style” of the track sequences.

Morse (excerpt from Cougar: The American Lion) If scat or a deer kill appears fresh, please notify people nearby to stay off the trail, giving the lion time and space to move on. When spending time in cougar country, keep an eye out for the following indications that a lion may have, at one time or another, been in the area. Cougar signs include tracks, scat, scratches and cached (partially buried) prey. These signs are evidence left behind after a cougar has passed through. If a cougar is in the area and you are lucky enough to detect its presence, most often it will be due to “cougar sign” and not actually seeing the animal.

Cougars are solitary, elusive, and very stealthy.

Seeing a lion in the wild is an especially rare occurrence.

Mountain lion paw prints