Hello,
Great mystery track photos. My name is Jason. I am a wildlife biologist and I also teach wildlife tracking courses.
Not sure if you got answers yet on the mystery track photos you posted a while back or not, but thought I'd chime in since I don't see any replies.
The first mystery tracks posted (dated 07.06.2007) are from a raccoon (Procyon lotor). Raccoons have long finger-like toes on both the front and hind feet, very small claws, and large heel pads. The larger foot is the hind foot (shown in the your close-up photo). It is using its unique raccoon walking gait (where the front foot registers next to the opposite hind foot). On a raccoon, the smallest toe is on the inside of the foot (which makes the close-up track photo a left hind foot).
The other track photo posted (dated 03.24.07) is from a cottontail (Sylvaligus spp.). Not sure which specific cottontail you have in Missouri, potentially the eastern cottontail. Your photo is showing the two hind feet. Cottontails have four toes with claws on both fronts and hinds, and often do not show much of a heel pad (unless in snow).
Hope this helps.
If you're interested in learning more about wildlife tracking you can visit
Alderleaf Wilderness College - Center for Traditional Ecological Knowledge. There is a whole section of online articles dedicated to wildlife tracks and sign, as well as a free eNewsletter.
Happy tracking,
Jason
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Jason Knight
Alderleaf Wilderness College
Alderleaf Wilderness College - Center for Traditional Ecological Knowledge
jason@wildernesscollege.com