Canine footprints

NotIssued

Member

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 17326

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USA

Posted: 2/13/2026 11:08:49 AM EDT

[Last Edit: NotIssued][Edited]

Anyone here an expert on canine footprints? I'm suspecting dog or coyote but in theory wolves are out here too.

For context, I was out on Monday following deer paths looking for sheds. These were there yesterday (Thursday).

Interestingly, about 200 yards away were other K9 tracks on my path that were new (was a very meandering figure 8 shape trail I took)

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1Coyote-conquest

Member

Joined: Feb 2019

Posts: 1130

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KY, USA

Posted: 2/13/2026 1:27:55 PM EDT

[#1]

Its hard to tell but.looks like dog. Dog prints are usually round. Coyote tracks are a little longer than wide.

Proud deplorable. MAGA!!

lew

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 19743

EE: 100% (16)

WY, USA

Posted: 2/13/2026 2:09:43 PM EDT

[#2]

This isn't hard and fast, but wild dog tracks usually don't have nail imprints as their nails are typically worn down further.

Those tracks look short front-to-rear. Wolf and coyote prints are going to be more "compressed" laterally.

KoreyKirsch

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Joined: Jun 2019

Posts: 1851

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ND, USA

Posted: 2/17/2026 3:02:04 PM EDT

[#3]

As others have said, I would so no to coyote. Coyote tracks are very more narrow vs wide and smaller than that. I would say dog tracks most likely. Here is a good link explaining the difference.

Coyote vs. Dog Tracks: Spot the Difference!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LfqudeVJ-U8

Korey Kirschenmann (Kirsch)
TNVC Thermal Product Specialist
https://tnvc.com/

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Canine footprints

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Canine footprints