Identifying Animal Tracks in the Snow

Why Search for Animal Tracks in Winter?

Exploring the variety of animals that inhabit backyards and beyond is a fun winter activity all ages can share. To unravel the mysteries behind nature's undiscovered animal tracks, one needs a flair for detective work and a few basic supplies such as a field guide, a digital camera, a ruler and a notebook.

The best time to study animal tracks is in the morning, before the ground becomes disrupted. Keep in mind the quality of the tracks will depend on the texture and depth of the snow. Thus, a crisp early-morning snow will provide for better tracking, while late-afternoon prints might have turned to slush after a day of sun. Snow that is too deep will not leave a clear cut print.

Aside from recreational tracking, scientists continue to research animal tracks to learn about animal populations in various regions. This data are analyzed and used to restore habitats and to determine which animals potentially might be endangered.

Successful Steps for Animal Track Identification

Animal Track Examples

Note the location of the tracks as this might help determine the type of animal that made them. For instance, an otter will be more likely to make tracks near water. Pay particular attention to the number of toes, track size, shape and the presence or absence of claws. Remember that track sizes will vary according to gender and age.

Animal tracks are classified into many categories based on individual characteristics.

-- Rodents have four front and five back toes with claws. Animals such as squirrels, rats, chipmunks, porcupines, beavers and groundhogs are in this category.
-- Rabbits have four front and four back toes with the back feet measuring two times larger than the front.
-- The cat family has four front and four back toes, with claws rarely visible as cats have retractable claws. Cats' front feet are about a half size larger than the back feet. House cats, mountain lions, bobcats and the lynx are members of this group.
-- The dog family has four front and four back toes with claws. The front feet are a third larger than the back feet. Domestic dogs, foxes, wolves and coyotes are in this category.
-- Weasels have five front and five back toes with claws. Minks, otters, wolverines and badgers are classified in the weasel family. In most cases, the weasel track will only leave an impression of four toes.
-- Deer have two toes in front and two in the back, with the front feet about a half size larger than the back feet.
-- Bear, raccoon, opossum and skunk leave human looking-shaped tracks with five front and five rear toes with claws.

Use Your Camera or Notebook

It is helpful to take a photo of the various tracks you discover so you can research them later if need be. If you do not have access to a camera, a sketch on a notepad will work. Your field guide book will be an important tool to help distinguish various species of animals. Once you become familiar with identifying the tracks of animals that live near your home, challenge your skills by exploring your local, state or national park.

Resources

• Wildlife Tracking in North America
• National Parks