STRANGE FOOTPRINTS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20833, 17 June 1939, Page 8

STRANGE FOOTPRINTS

WEIRD IMPRESSIONS IN SNOW HUNT IN TAIHAPE DISTRICT Strange footprints in the snow in rugged country in the Mokai district, on the lower slopes of the Ruahine Ranges about 20 miles from Taihape, are puzzling experienced hunters who have been familiar with the wild life of the area for many years. The footprints were followed fur half amile into the bush. Arrangement*; have been made for ail extensive hunt over a wide area this week-end in an endeavour to identify the animal responsible for the spoor. Mr Hamill, who lias just returned to Hamilton from Taihape, commented on the interest that had been created by the footprints. The marks were described to him as being about a foot long, with a toe about four inches long projecting from one side and another toe six inches long on the other side. The impressions were so clear in about a foot of snow that experienced men, including Mr J. Missen, who has had 20 years of experience of hunting in the district, were able to study them minutely. Mr Missen was so intrigued that he brought other men to verify the facts. All were completely mystified and agreed to pursue the hunt into the bush this week-end. The possibilities of the tracks being made by any known animal in the district were discussed and eliminated. Those who had not semi the spoor suggested deer, but study of the marks eliminaied that idea. It was considered that if the marks were made- by any known animal, that animal must, have been possessed of an extraordinary abnormality. The Mokai district is at the headwaters of the Rangitikei River. Much of it is extremely precipitous country that, has never been thoroughly explored.