Closter Nature Center Closter Nature Center

Naturalist Marc Gussen says: Opossums are native to New Jersey and common but, nocturnal so rarely seen.

Judging by size, long legs, and profile, as well as the time stamp of 1am—coyotes are nocturnal hunters—local naturalists agree this image captures a coyote. CNC Trustee Tom Golodik writes, "It would be telling to examine the tracks. Dogs wander all over the place when they walk; coyotes typically move in straight lines and place rear feet in front paw tracks. Because the coyote’s heel pad is smaller than a dog’s, coyote tracks show more open space between the two outside toes, whereas the dog’s larger heel pads tends to intrude into the area between the outside toes."