I found this pattern in the sand along the Sandy River near Portland. The shot was taken standing up.
Photo by Dennis DeckWhat made this pattern?
Beaver sometimes drag their broad tails. As they take each step, the tail swishes back and forth. This action usually sweeps away any sign of the beaver's tracks as is the case here.
It appears that there are two sets of tracks in the photo -- either this fellow went back the way he came or there were two beaver walking parallel tracks.