Sough Prints · AditNow Community

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pwhole
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

These animal paw prints were noted in a trip into Cromford Sough recently, about 100m inside, close to the base of one of the air shafts, but I suspect it would have been a rather fatal drop had it entered via that route - the prints don't suggest injury or distress. Does anyone know what they might be?

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owd git
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Hi Phil' depending on scale I'd say Badger.despite not seeing claw marks. Ric'.

Daggers
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Look like Badger and a size 9 welly

Daggers

pwhole
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

Yes, the welly-print was added inadvertently just as the paw prints were spotted, but luckily I managed to swing my foot out of the way! I had a feeling they were badger prints, and it would seem the most logical animal, but I still can't see the appeal of a jaunt down there - there can't be much to eat compared to the nearest woods.

exspelio
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Unusual for Badger prints to not show any sign of claws?

Always remember, nature is in charge, get it wrong and it is you who suffers!.

Daggers
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

"pwhole" wrote:
Yes, the welly-print was added inadvertently just as the paw prints were spotted, but luckily I managed to swing my foot out of the way! I had a feeling they were badger prints, and it would seem the most logical animal, but I still can't see the appeal of a jaunt down there - there can't be much to eat compared to the nearest woods.

Badgers could be using the sough as a den for the daytime retreat as Badgers are nocturnal hunters and seeks food on the surface at night. During the day they sleep in a set usually underground in a den, a solitary badger may have been looking for a new place to set up a den.

Has for the claws may be a recently evicted juvenile and has not yet got fully formed claws.

Daggers

AR
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Given the sough can flood to the roof, probably not a good idea to set up home there!

Follow the horses, Johnny my laddie, follow the horses canny lad-oh!

jones the slate
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

I would say otter, and have come face to boot with one underground, but they should have 5 toes....difficult to make out on pic.

Any offers over a fiver....

exspelio
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Could be Otter, but not a lot of evidence of webbing, lack of scale is a problem, just what size is that boot?, could give us a clue?--

P.S. Just zoomed in to max., there is a suggestion of claws on the lower set of prints, the other set under the wall bottom are different, - Hunting Badger?.

Always remember, nature is in charge, get it wrong and it is you who suffers!.

pwhole
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

#10

It's a size ten welly-print - the paw-prints were roughly about 6-7m across. I've just posted a higher-res version in my personal album if it helps:

🔗102095[linkphoto]102095[/linkphoto][/link]