Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Wolf Paw Print
This photo of a Wolf Canis lupus paw-print in wet mud was taken in the Bieszczady Mountains, SE Poland, in November 2008. Actually, there are two paw prints here, one partly covering the other. Wolf prints are very similar to those of large domestic dogs, which is actually not surprising as wolves are indeed large dogs themselves. Key things to note include: long toe pads which are well spaced-out and splayed apart, and long, pointed, pronounced claw marks. Though not shown here the track-line of a wolf is also rather narrow, whereas most dogs walk in a more of a zig-zag. Location is also important: this photo was taken in a remote area where there are no pet or stray dogs but where there are known to be packs of wolves.