Leopards and pumas make claw marks on trees and they are primarily there to show other leopards and pumas that this is their territory! Note the leading toe claw marks. Watch out for these marks when you walk through woods!
Big cat claw marks on a pine tree in Dorset. Photo Copyright Alex Bowler 2021
Big cat claw marks on a tree in a South Devon wood - Photo Copyright Alex Bowler 2023
Photo Copyright Alex Bowler 2023
Photo Copyright Alex Bowler 2023
Leopard claw marks on a pine tree in Dorset - Photo Copyright Jonathan McGowan