Bobcat Tracks

This page is meant to help others identify Bobcat sign.  All  tracks are found and identified by myself or hunting companions.  All sign is either confirmed by animal sighting or distinct enough for me stake my reputation on the identification.

Typical Bobcat print.  Note the tri-lobbed pad and overall round shape of the print.  No claw marks are visible.

Bobcats direct register just like other feline species, this is an offset print.  This print shows the difference between the front and rear foot.  The front is on the left, note the elongated toes and heavily lobbed heel pad.  The rear foot has rounder toes and flatter heel pad.  This is the right side prints and determined by the the longer second toe of the front foot.

Good example of direct register.

Ruler added for size comparison. 

Bobcats walk in a steady gate, this is a walking gate.

Bobcats frequently travel over rocks and logs.  This cat stepped on-top of the log rather than jumping or stepping over.  It is very common for a Bobcat to walk lengthwise down a log rather than walk in the snow. 

Bobcat crossing a stream, note the walking gate.  Cats main travel mode is walking, rather than the trot of a Coyote or Fox. 

Small Bobcat.

Bobcat kill of a Dusky Grouse.  This grouse was more than likely cached by the cat and killed long before, note the absence of blood.  The cat returned later and found it the snow. 

Bobcat digging, more than likely for a cache.  You can see his ear prints in the snow from when he stuck his head in the hole.

Bobcat den.  Bobcats do not have one home den, unless kittens are young, but rather have many dens throughout their home range. 

Bobcat scat.  Note the rear leg/pad impressions, and the fact the cat dug a hole before.

  Bobcat Front Paw

                                  

Bobcat Rear Paw