Mountain Lion Tracks

This page is meant to help others identify Mountain Lion sign.  All of these 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.

Identification tips.  Note the tri-lobed classic lion pad.  Overall shape is oval and rounded as opposed to an elongated canine track.  Note absence of any claw marks.  Cartridge pictured is a .308 for reference size.  
Body impression of Lion landing after a jump in the snow
A younger Mountain Lion that I watched make this track
Mountain Lion track, the distance between each step 
Note how the second toe from the right is longer than all the rest.  This identifies the paw as on the left side of the cat.  The rounded toes and heel pad pattern identifies it as the left rear foot.
Note the direct register of the step.  Cats walk in direct register, that is they the rear foot steps in the print of the front foot.  This is actually a slight overstep of the right rear foot over the front right.  Note the difference in shape and pattern of the heel pad from the rear to front paw.
Often I find bobcats and lion tracks together.  Here is a good example of bobcat track next to a big lion print. Another good exampled of direct register. 
Lions tracks over 3.5 inches wide are generally adult male lions.  Under 3 inches to 3.5 is typically adult female or juvenile male.  Under 3 inches is small female or kitten.  The.308 cartridge is roughly 3 inches long, (.295).  This cat is more than likely an adult male lion. 
Mountains lions like to walk in a steady gate.  Changes of gate usually indicate a change in activity such as stalking, waiting, watching, or looking for a spot to rest/lay up.  When tracking a cat pay close attention to the gate it will tell you what the cat was thinking at the time. 
Another bobcat lion combo.  Note the direct register of both the lion and the bobcat. 
Another example of gate.  This lion crossed a  heavily traveled paved roadway.
A good example of a steady gate.  This lion is walking at a normal unconcerned rate.


Mountain Lion bed.  This lion bedded at the base of a rock face in tight cover.


Mountain Lion scat pile.  While the pile has been scattered and is old, you can clearly see where the cat scratched the ground prior to deposit.


Mountain Lion Skull