How to Identify Animal Tracks While Hiking

Hiking and identifying animal tracks can be both fun and challenging. In order to see animal tracks or evidence of animals on the trail, the hiker must be very aware. Looking down at the trail is important, but looking in other places can tell you a lot about where an animal track might be.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A small container of plaster of paris
• Water
• Digital camera
• Attention to detail on the trail

1. Think about the area you are hiking in. Are there potential animal dens or food sources along the way where animals might congregate?
2. Discuss what makes a good place to look for animal tracks. Near water sources, food sources or sources of shelter are great spots.
3. Make a list with your kids or fellow hikers as to where potential animal tracks could be. Remind each other to look carefully at these points along the trail.
4. Remind hikers that evidence of animals can be found everywhere. Squirrels like to chew off short branches and let them drop to the ground to make eating acorns easier. Deer brush up against trees to rub their antlers. Beavers chew off short trees to make their homes.
5. Carry a field guide to animal tracks with you on your hike. Make a list of the tracks you've seen and name them along the way.
6. Take a small amount of plaster of paris with you on your hike. When you come across an animal track, mix a little with some water from your water bottle. Pour the mixture into the track and let dry (this is a good time for lunch or a rest). Pull up the plaster of paris and take it with you for later identification.
7. Shoot digital photos of tracks you find. Compare to pictures in field guides when you return for easy identification.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the plaster of paris trick with kids for a fun project. This works best if you pick a pond or stream area where animals come to drink. Visit the area in the morning and pour your molds. Come back a while later or on the way back from the rest of your hike to pick up for identification.
• Point out to children subtle differences in animals of the same species. By looking at their size and shape, you can tell if they were running or walking when they visited that spot.