The great size and the immense claws are the chief characteristics of the grizzly’s track. All five toes usually show in each track. “The strongest and most distinctive characteristic of the grizzlies is the long, proportionately slender and slightly curved claws of the front feet, sometimes more than three inches long” (see [pages 440] and [442]).
BLACK BEAR
The plantigrade foot is clearly shown in the bear track. That of a black bear differs from that of a grizzly, first in size, second in the shortness of the claws. Usually no claws show, and the fifth toe, which is well developed on both front and hind paws, leaves little sign and often none at all. Frequently the hind foot is set on the track of the front foot in correct register.
THE HUMAN FOOTPRINTS
The footprints of the human animal are included in this series of sketches for the purpose of comparison. Especially interesting is the similarity to be noted between the tracks made by man and those of the grizzly and the black bear ([see page 608]). The tracks shown on the left half of this page present the moccasin-shod footprints of a Sioux Indian compared with the shoe tracks of a white man. On the right are shown: (A) a woman’s foot which has been much pinched by tight shoes; (B) a sturdy boy’s foot, somewhat too flat to be normal; (C) the footprint of a slender man, and (D) the imprint of a robust man’s foot.
THE HORSE
A hunter needs to know horse tracks as much as those of wild game. The greater size and roundness of horse tracks distinguish them from those of mules and asses. When shod the toe calks are a strong feature; when without shoes the unbroken front edge is distinctive. Some horses walk in correct register; some do not. Mules are more exact than horses. When trotting the arrangement is much as in walking, but the spaces are longer and the hind-feet track farther ahead of the front feet. In galloping the arrangement is much as in the white-tailed deer.