Compare common British and Irish mammal track features in a bounded guide.
Compare eight mammals found in Ireland and Britain. Measure several clear prints excluding long claws; ground, gait and front/hind feet alter size. Published rounded sizes are reference points. Your tolerance creates a comparison band, not a biological range. Claw visibility is weak evidence: “Not visible” retains all candidates, while “Visible” retains every paw entry, including animals that rarely show claws.
This shortlist cannot confirm an identification. Dogs, cats, other deer and animals outside the guide can resemble the results. Photograph with a ruler and note the trail and habitat. Observe without disturbing wildlife.
Measurements and print features: Woodland Trust animal track guide.
Instructions
- Choose Print group and Toes visible in one clear print. Leave uncertain features at Any / unsure.
- Choose Claw marks and, if available, enter Print length in cm (optional).
- Set Size comparison tolerance, then select Compare features.
- Review candidate features and use Download results or Print to keep your shortlist.
Understanding your results
The results compare eight mammals from Britain and Ireland. A matching print is a candidate, not a confirmed identification. Soil, gait and front or hind feet change the apparent size. The tolerance broadens your comparison band; it is not a statement about biological size ranges.
What to do if you get no matches or too many candidates
Return doubtful features to Any / unsure and compare several clear prints. Measure without long claws and photograph with a ruler. Dogs, cats and species outside this guide may resemble the shortlist, so check the full trail and habitat too.
Using this tool in your browser
This tool handles your entries in your browser with JavaScript enabled and does not save them automatically. Use the download or print controls described in the instructions to keep a copy before closing or reloading the page. On a phone, your browser controls where downloads go and which print options are available.
Summary
Use several independent clues before putting a species name on a track.