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Banff National Park of Canada
What to Look for When Identifying Carnivore Tracks
By taking basic safety precautions for carnivores such as wolves, cougars, and coyotes, we can minimize the risks to human safety and ensure the carnivores in Banff National Park remain wild. Wildness in this case means that these animals retain their natural fear of people.
Characteristics of Coyote Tracks
Coyote Track © Parks Canada
Four toe pads
Claws show
Elongated, symmetrical footprint
Hind print slight smaller
Average print 6.4 cm long
Smaller than wolf track
Characteristics of Wolf Tracks
Wolf Track © Parks Canada
Four toe pads
Claws show or form drag marks
Elongated foot print, symmetrical
Triangular heel pad
Often travel in trenches through deep snow
Hind print slightly smaller
Tracks 10 - 12 cm long
Larger than coyote track
Characteristics of Cougar Tracks
Cougar Track © Parks Canada
Four toe pads form a semi-circle
Claws do not show, elongated foot print,asymmetrical
Three lobes on heel pad
Slow deliberate steps
Hind print slightly smaller
Tracks are wider than longer,"furry"
Double-register when walking
Tail drags in deep snow
Was That a Wolf or Coyote?
Wolf:
Black, white, grey, cream, brown: all shades. Never spotted.
36-45 kg, 67-82 cm tall at shoulder
- tail hangs straight out or down,never curls, held straight out when running
- ears are rounded, small, upright
- feet are very large to body size.
Coyote:
All shades of tan and grey, rarely black. Never spotted.
9-16 kg, 50 cm tall at shoulder, tail hangs straight out or down, held down when running
- ears are pointed, large, upright
- feet are proportional to body size
Reporting
- All encounters with large carnivores such as wolves, coyotes, or cougars should be reported to the Banff Warden Office by calling 403.762.1470.
- Carefully try to identify the species, and note the animal's description and behaviour. Also note what may have attracted the animal - e.g. food or garbage, or elk in the area. Field guides can help with identification.
- Stay up to date by listening to Park Radio at 101.1 FM or calling 403.760.1330.
For more information:
Email: Banff.VRC@pc.gc.ca
Call us: Parks Canada Information Centre 403.762.1550 or 1.800.748.7275
Regular Mail: Banff National Park; Box 900; Banff, Alberta, Canada T1L 1K2