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About Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I'm an evolutionary biologist with a passion for animals. Ask about natural history, behavior, ecology, evolution. PLEASE NOTE:

If you have found an "orphaned" wild animal or bird:
Please don't waste time asking questions on the internet, as the answers may come too late. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL, and DO NOT HANDLE IT unless it is in imminent danger. (Many wild "orphans" are not orphans at all!) If you are absolutely sure it is orphaned, keep it warm and quiet, and find a LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR HERE. Don't try to raise the baby yourself. Many a well-intentioned rescuer will do more harm than good, especially with baby birds and baby rabbits.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMALS
Without geographic location, time of day and habitat, I can't help. A clear picture is always best.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMAL SOUNDS
It's impossible for me to I.D. an animal call without hearing it myself.

COMPARATIVE STRENGTHS
I'm not an expert on comparative strengths of different animals (more complicated than you might think!) nor bite forces.

FIGHTING ANIMALS
I refuse to answer "Which of these two animals--X or X--would win in a fight?".

These hypothetical matchups range from impossible (Grizzly Bears and Gorillas don't even occupy the same continent.) to ridiculous (Someone asked me "Who would win a fight between a Great White Shark and a tiger?").

The vast majority of animals--even the fierce and powerful--are not as warlike as Homo sapiens, and it's childish to project our aggressiveness onto them.

Experience
I have been the fortunate caregiver to a group of Black-tailed Jackrabbits rescued from the Miami International Airport, and not releasable in this area because they are not native. I also have rehabbed and released Eastern Cottontails, and am in contact with many very experienced wildlife rescuers who regularly handle injured or orphaned rabbits and hares.

Organizations
House Rabbit Society

Publications
Exotic DVM journal

Education/Credentials
I have a Ph.D. in Biology, with main areas of expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, and ecology.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Wild Animals > Animal Tracks

Wild Animals - Animal Tracks


Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 7/7/2009

Question
Hi,

I was wondering if you could possibly help me identify some animal tracks. We live in southern Wisconsin, in a residential area. We had laid down a black tarp in our backyard by some shrubbery, and the next day we saw muddy animal tracks all over it. The length of the back prints are approximately 3 inches long, slightly longer than the front prints. There is a distance of approximately 18 inches between the front and back prints. Both the front and back prints have 5 toes/fingers. I also included a photo.

Thanks

Answer
Dear Erin,

Did a bit of searching, but the closest match I could find is a striped skunk:

http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/rsl/projects/wild/zielinski/tracks2/striped_skunk2.GIF

It's not a cat, as that would have only four toes.  And both opossums and raccoons have more "handlike" front prints.  So my best guess is that you had a skunk pass through last night.

:)

Dana

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