Mystery tracks left in the snow

19 February 2009
Shepton Mallet Journal

Experts believe mystery animal tracks seen in the recent snow belong to a huge dog.

The prints were discovered by Doulting resident Carole Bohan who was alarmed as she thought they could have been left by the mystery big cat which was reported in the area last year.

Carole, who lives in Farrington Lane and is surrounded by fields and a wood, sent photos of them to the Journal for investigation.

"You can clearly see the claw prints," she said and illustrated their size by placing a ruler next to them for the photographs.

"The width of the print is five inches, and the span between steps is five feet."

Carole said she was slightly alarmed as she had heard a huge thud in her garden, like the sound of a heavy animal jumping down, shortly before she found the prints.

Wells student Max Blake, who has been researching the alleged sightings of a mystery beast and sheep killings in the area, and zoological director Richard Freeman are convinced they are dog prints.

"They are from a very large breed, possibly a Great Dane or wolfhound or something similar," said Mr Blake.

Mr Freeman said: "These are clearly dog tracks. The concave shape of the main pad can be seen in the first photograph. Also, the toes are symmetrical and show the blunt claws of a canine.

"A cat's claws are finer and only seen in prints when unsheathed for a firmer grip on slippery or uneven surfaces.

"A cat's main pad has three bulges or lobes akin to the shape of a club in a deck of cards. The toes are asymmetrical, unlike a dogs."

Meanwhile, Wells resident Andy Reed has reported seeing a large black cat-like animal against the snow in the hills near Chewton Mendip last week. "I am certain it was a big cat of some sort," he said.