| JUST A BIG DOG ! From CREATURE CHRONICLES; August, 1980 Editor: Ron Schaffner 'BIG DOG' MAKING TRACKS By Jim Rohrer Lebanon Bureau Chief TWENTY MILE STAND, Ohio-The mystery of the "big paw prints" in the Seilcrest Acres subdivision apparently has been solved. Residents, puzzled by oversized paw prints near their houses, speculated that a large cat, weighing more than 150 pounds, was on the loose. Officials at Wild Animal Safari at Kings Island, called in to look at the prints, said Thursday the prints were "without a doubt the prints of a very large dog." Safari Ranger Cathy Prindle said toenail markings in the prints she observed convinced her the tracks were made by a large dog. Just to be sure, Safari workers counted noses. No animals are missing, they confirmed. All Safari ani- mals have been accounted for. "For about a week, we just laughed it off," said Aliceten Moreland, who lives on Ronbet Drive in Seil- crest Acres. "'The paw prints have been showing up throughout the neighborhood. Finally, some of us began to get worried. We do have a woods here the kids play in. "I tried to tell people with kids about the prints, without getting everyone all excited." Animal escapes from Kings Island's Safari are not unheard of, although it's been more than five years since any serious incidents. The last escape involved some penguins, and park officials once spent a week trying to round up some freedom-loving baboons. Seilcrest Acres is located in Warren County's Deerfield Township, just north of Montgomery and south of Kings Island. The Warren County sheriff's department and Kings Island investigated the prints, and the sheriff's department took a plaster cast. "Whatever it is, it weighs more than 150 pounds," Mrs. Moreland said. "'The prints sank deeper than someone who weighs that much." Cincinnati Enquirer 7/11/80 |
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| Mystery Tracks Solved by Earl D. Jones Subject: Prints of two similar animals probably of canine species Investigators: Earl Jones and Ron Schaffner Case Findings: The prints indicated extreme size and weight. The larger prints measured 4-1/2 to 5 inches in length and 4-1/2 to 5-1/4 inches in width. The estimated pad measurements were 4-1/4 inches long and 4-1/2 inches wide The smaller prints measured 3-1/4 to 3-1/2 inches long and 3 inches x 3-1/2 inches wide. Claw marks are present in all prints with slight evidence of dual claw on back of what would be the left forepaw of the smaller animal. This is indicative of a canine print. At present, by speculation, I would estimate the larger of the two animals to measure 3-1/2 to 4 feet. Measurements from chest to rump with perhaps 16 to 18 inches, shoulder to shoulder across the chest. I estimate this animal to weigh about 150 to 200 pounds. Standing pace measurement is approximately 36 inches - forepaw toe to hind paw heel. The smaller of the two is 1/3 smaller in overall physical size and possibly 100 pounds lighter in weight. The area and terrain is known to be populated with deer and many small game At this point, my vote would be cast in favor of the prints being made by an extremely large member of the canine family. Cathy Prindle, Wild Safari Ranger of Kings Island Amusement Park was quoted in the Cincinnati Enquirer as saying that the prints were without question, those of a large dog. Ron Schaffner and I talked with Miss Prindle on the evening of July 13, 1980. She informed us that she went along with the "dog theory" because of the ever-present claw marks. Our research has definitely backed up Miss Prindle's statement, although a cat will on unstable ground or when making running turns, will leave somewhat a claw indentation. On 7-23-80, we talked with Margo Kuhn, a specialist in animal behavior also with the Wild Animal Safari at Kings Island. We found out that the animal was probably a large domestic dog. Margo said that the plaster casts of the prints (compliments of Glen Blair) were definitely those of a domestic dog, not of a wild animal. Miss Kuhn's specialties are wolves and primates We spoke to Mr. Blair later that evening for further developments and he stated that there had been several new tracks found. He also said that he had photographed a St. Bernard wandering around the area. It appears at this point, that the case is solved. However, we will continue to keep in touch with these people for any new developments. Earl D. Jones Editor's Note: This case is being presented in this publication in order to illustrate the many aspects of this research group. In fact, we are more pleased to solve a case by natural means, than to have it listed unexplained. The above news-clipping is what prompted our investigation If more researchers would check every possible case that may represent a possible mystery, who knows what may be discovered. Success is only achieved by hard work....R.S. |
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