On Sunday, December 9th at around 3:30-4:00 pm we were driving up our driveway and were enjoying the beauty of about 2-3 inches of freshly fallen snow. We also noticed interesting tracks all the way up with circling in the switchback, parking area, and around our deck steps. These tracks had a single continuous track about 2 inches wide with paw prints on either side. At first we thought it was a cross country skier with ski poles, but their tracks have 2 continuous tracks between the pole marks. Then we thought maybe a small rodent shorter than the depth of the snow being chased by another animal. However, when the track took a turn, the corners had swishing marks, so then we thought it might be a dog dragging a leash. On closer examination, the single continuous track did not have smaller paw prints as a rodent’s track would and the “pole” prints were definitely paw prints about 3-4 inches wide. We did not see “claw” marks with the paw prints, but were convinced it was a large dog with short toe nails dragging a leash! Driving back down the driveway we then noticed that there were 2 different sizes of paw prints, what are the chances of 2 different dogs dragging their leashes in our driveway?
Have you ever slapped your forehead and rolled your eyes and asked “why didn’t I take a picture of that?” Well, that is us! The picture on the left is one we found on the internet and not one we took. It isn’t exactly what we saw, but is the closest one we could find. According to our internet research it was mountain lion tracks and the smaller tracks were from a cub! Did you know mountain lions drag their tails when they walk? Also, the tracks we saw followed the driveway, according to the internet, if it had been a dog, the tracks would have gone from one side of the driveway to the other as dogs like to investigate both sides. Also, no claw marks, makes it more likely to be a lion than a dog. In this picture it shows the paw marks on one side of the tail drag, this is because the tracks are crossing a hill and the paw prints are on the downside. The tracks we saw were going up a hill, not across, and the tail drag was in the middle of the paw prints.
Meanwhile we have been anxiously awaiting more snow! Not only for the so needed moisture, but to pay better attention to the tracks on our property and this time you can bet we will be taking pictures!
Reminder #1: Monday, December 31, 2012 – New Year’s Eve Game Night. Join neighbors and friends for a safe New Year’s Eve celebration in the neighborhood. Bring an appetizer or snack to share and your favorite table game. 7:00 PM to Midnight.
Reminder #2: Wednesday, January 2, 2013, Association meeting at 7:00 PM, in the Association Building, 86 Elk Creek Drive. After the business meeting, work will be completed on the Annual Newsletter.
