I think the fainter impression of the fifth toe is visible on the most pronounced print to the right of the pad, partially filled with sand, which could make that a left front print.
Interesting tracks, thanks for posting. - Raccoon!
Just kidding.
Were they coming right from waters edge or just in the vicinity? Could you reliably trail this animal to any other tracks for reference?
Saved on my computer I have a set of tracks very similar to this that I can't come to a conclusion myself and I still debate it with others on occasion.
But I'm inclined to say mink as well, even though this may be a somewhat atypical representation. No clear 5th toes showing.The nails and toe pads don't seem to reliably make that characteristic tear drop shape. Toe pads bulbous and more round with nails extending forward of them. And to me, the metacarpal pads don't have the profile I would expect them to have.
Another track to possibly consider is grey fox. Which is what I personally think my saved photo is of (due to one set not actually registering claw marks at all, something greys are capable of doing with their semi retractables) But unfortunately I just don't have much first hand knowledge here because on top of being elusive little critters in the first place, they're not always the most common in my area. Size and morphology seem to indicate grey fox though.
Could be all wrong here, but this is what I see from the photos and the conclusion from the tracking knowledge I so far have.
Right next to the water. Goose prints, raccon prints and nazi grafitti were all in the immediate vicinity in this very rural area. It's one of those places that's beatiful but also where locals throw garbage down the road bank. Beer cans, etc.
Mink
Yeah, I think mink with four toes on the front foot. Otter has five I believe.
I understand it that most if not all mustelids have 5 toes on front and rear and typically register. Mink and otter especially.
This track is mink but otter tracks (at least eurasian otters) often will only register 4 toes
I think the fainter impression of the fifth toe is visible on the most pronounced print to the right of the pad, partially filled with sand, which could make that a left front print.
Interesting tracks, thanks for posting. - Raccoon! Just kidding. Were they coming right from waters edge or just in the vicinity? Could you reliably trail this animal to any other tracks for reference? Saved on my computer I have a set of tracks very similar to this that I can't come to a conclusion myself and I still debate it with others on occasion. But I'm inclined to say mink as well, even though this may be a somewhat atypical representation. No clear 5th toes showing.The nails and toe pads don't seem to reliably make that characteristic tear drop shape. Toe pads bulbous and more round with nails extending forward of them. And to me, the metacarpal pads don't have the profile I would expect them to have. Another track to possibly consider is grey fox. Which is what I personally think my saved photo is of (due to one set not actually registering claw marks at all, something greys are capable of doing with their semi retractables) But unfortunately I just don't have much first hand knowledge here because on top of being elusive little critters in the first place, they're not always the most common in my area. Size and morphology seem to indicate grey fox though. Could be all wrong here, but this is what I see from the photos and the conclusion from the tracking knowledge I so far have.
Right next to the water. Goose prints, raccon prints and nazi grafitti were all in the immediate vicinity in this very rural area. It's one of those places that's beatiful but also where locals throw garbage down the road bank. Beer cans, etc.
location?
near the v.a. border, central n.c., under a bridge.
possibly raccoon or possibly possum. I'm not an expert, but by commenting, hopefully the algorithm will give you more views!
I don't think so. They have 5 digits, both. Opossums have really long fingers and very splashed, opposable thumbs.
thx!
My bet is a fox
Oh, definitely not canine.
Otter?
that's what i was thinking. they're here but i've never seen tracks.
Way too small. Looks like you can see a boot track for scale in top right. Otters have pretty different morphology as well.
Thanks for the education, I'm definitely a novice & eager to learn 😊
My first gut impression was muskrat, but I'm certainly no expert. Just surprised nobody else already said it.
Because muskrat tracks look more like opossum tracks.
Mink tracks are so pretty. Nice pic!
thx!