Reading the Forest Floor: Wolves or Dogs in the UP?

About 4 inches long

I went out hiking to scout a few spots for future bow hunting and trapping. I usually like to follow lakes, rivers, and trails just to see where they lead. Keeping an eye out for deer trails and other animal tracks helps me get a sense of what kind of game might be in the area. While walking through the woods, I came across a few tracks that caught my attention. 

My first thought was whether they were wolf tracks or dog tracks? I don’t consider myself a tracking expert, but I do know that wolves and dogs move differently. Dog tracks are often found near where people travel, and the gait tends to look less purposeful. Wolves, on the other hand, walk in straighter lines with more consistent spacing. There may also be a size difference — it would take a very large dog to make some of the prints I saw. All in all, I’d guess they belonged to a big dog, but it’s hard to rule out wolves entirely, especially since some scat with hair in it can be found nearby, suggesting a wild animal had eaten game nearby. There were not enough other prints to determine gait.

Some extreme sports
were never good ideas.

Whether or not I find the perfect place to set a trap or a good overlook for deer, I’m just glad to be out there. Spending time outdoors not only improves health but also helps put things in perspective. While I can appreciate fine dining in the city, there’s something equally satisfying about simple camp food cooked under the open sky.

Outdoor Tip: Don't smear yourself with left over steak and go sprinting through the woods if you are unsure if there are wolves in the area. While they generally don't bother anyone I tend to give nature its space and avoid interacting when unnecessary. Protects them and protects me.

Common Animal Tracks in the UP-Manistee News

Tracking the UP Wolf

Wolf Facts: The UP