jim_carretta's Identifications

Hand not fully on ground so tracks are actually larger than how they appear in the picture.

My argument for these being a Florida panther is the two lobes on the upper paw pad seen in the top track and the wide spacing of the toes making it not possible to drawn the "X"
Claw marks appeared likely because of the deep mud

I did not see the animal, but heard it and found some prints. Perhaps someone can confirm?
On the evening of the 23rd my son and I heard odd hoarse growl/calls repeatedly in the woods, inside of 50m. On the 24th I photographed the attached print. This was the clearest full print I found. there were other prints, but no nail impressions like a dog or coyote (lots in the area). The site was a high traffic area for wildlife drinking and crossing.
I've since heard rumor of 3 sightings north of peterborough and heard similar cougar sounds online.