TRACKS AND TRACKING 



inches from it. The nails of the two 

 7\ inside toes of the hind feet are but 

 to a limited extent visible as the web 

 between the toes protrudes them. 

 Where the beaver is scarce and 

 much pursued, the imprint of a 

 forefoot near the water's edge may 

 be discovered occasionally here and 

 there ; in this case the prominence of 

 the toe-nails is unmistakable. I 

 may state here, that a front track 

 at the water's edge is often the only 

 sign which may be found along a 

 stream where beavers have become 

 very wary; they seem to be able to 

 live on almost nothing leaves, 

 roots, etc. for not a single cutting 

 can be discovered in such cases. 

 BEAVER TRAIL Where not sought extensively, the 



The third toe touches 



the center line, hunter seldom notes the tracks of 

 this aquatic fur-bearer ; cut willows or tree stumps 

 are, if not a surer, at least a more easily distin- 

 guished indication of their presence, while on 

 much-used slides the tracks could not be seen 



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