Sough Prints · AditNow Community

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pwhole
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

9 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

9 years ago

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

Daggers
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

9 years ago

Look like Badger and a size 9 welly

Daggers

pwhole
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

9 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

9 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

9 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

9 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

9 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

9 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

9 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]