Following Footsteps: A Morning in the Woods
It’s just after sunrise. The forest is waking, the air crisp and quiet. As you take a careful step over a moss-covered log, you notice a distinct impression in the mud—two pointed toes, a heart-shaped print. You kneel to inspect it, heart beating a little faster. That’s a deer track. And you’re not alone.
Tracking wildlife isn’t just about finding animals. It’s about learning to read the subtle signs they leave behind. From footprints to broken twigs, every clue tells a story. Whether you’re a nature lover, hiker, or budding biologist, learning to track opens a new window into the lives of forest creatures.
Prints in the Path: Decoding Animal Tracks
Animal prints are often the first signs we notice on the forest floor. Learning to identify them helps you understand who’s been there—and when.
Key Track Traits
- Deer: Two oblong toes form a heart shape. Look for consistent spacing in a straight line.
- Fox: Small, oval prints with four toes and a triangular pad. Often in a straight line due to their direct-register walking style.
- Bear: Large, wide prints with five toes and visible claws. Front and rear paws differ slightly in shape.
Tips for Identifying Prints:
- Measure the width and length.
- Look at track patterns: bounding, trotting, or walking?
- Consider the substrate—mud, snow, or sand hold different levels of detail.
Sketching Idea: Use a field notebook to draw each track you find. Label toe count, pad shape, and stride distance.
Scat Clues: What Animals Leave Behind
Scat (animal droppings) may not be glamorous, but it’s a goldmine of information.
- Deer: Small, oval pellets often in clusters.
- Fox: Twisted, rope-like scat with fur or bones—usually left in visible spots to mark territory.
- Bear: Large, tubular scat filled with seeds, berries, or fur depending on diet.
Wear gloves or use sticks to examine. Note size, shape, and contents. Scat tells you what the animal has eaten and how recently it passed through.
Journaling Tip: Record the location, nearby signs (like tracks or disturbed plants), and time of day. Add a sketch or photo if possible.
Signs in the Silence: Behavior-Based Clues
Animals leave more than physical prints. With practice, you’ll begin to see their behavior reflected in the landscape.
- Browse Lines: Deer nibble branches at chest height, leaving ragged edges.
- Digging or Scratching: Bears dig for roots or insects. Foxes may dig shallow holes in search of prey.
- Rub Marks: Bears rub against trees, leaving fur and scent. Bucks rub antlers on saplings during mating season.
Observation Tip: Think like the animal. What would it eat or where would it hide? Look for patterns in disturbed areas.
Invisible Trails: Following Scent and Sound
While invisible to the eye, scent trails are real markers for animals. Foxes and deer use scent glands to communicate territory or readiness to mate.
Though humans can’t follow scent trails directly, we can:
- Note areas with repeat markings or scat.
- Listen for alarm calls or movement that suggests an animal recently passed.
Quiet Observation: Sit still and let the forest return to normal. Birds and small animals will resume behavior, revealing clues about nearby larger creatures.
Sketching and Journaling: Building Your Tracker’s Eye
A tracker’s most valuable tool is memory—and a notebook.
Field Journal Ideas:
- Date, time, and weather conditions.
- Sketches of tracks, scat, or disturbances.
- Notes on location, terrain, and habitat type.
- Hypotheses: What animal? What was it doing?
By recording your findings, you’ll begin to see patterns and improve your tracking accuracy over time.
Clues by Species: Signs from the Forest’s Regulars
White-Tailed Deer
- Tracks: Heart-shaped, ~2-3 inches.
- Scat: Pellets; more clumped in winter.
- Signs: Rubbed saplings, bedding areas (flattened grass).
Red Fox
- Tracks: Neat, oval, single file.
- Scat: Left on rocks or logs; contains fur, seeds.
- Signs: Strong odor, small dens near cover.
Black Bear
- Tracks: Wide with five toes.
- Scat: Changes with season—berries in summer, nuts in fall.
- Signs: Tree markings, claw scars, overturned logs.
Ethical Tracking: Leave No Trace, Cause No Alarm
Tracking should never disturb the animals or their habitats.
- Stay on Trails: Avoid trampling sensitive vegetation or nesting sites.
- No Baiting: Never lure wildlife closer.
- Stay Downwind: Prevent animals from detecting your scent.
- Observe Quietly: Use binoculars for distant viewing.
- Respect Boundaries: If an animal notices you, back away quietly.
The goal of tracking is understanding, not interaction. Let the forest unfold on its own terms.
Further Reading & Resources
In-depth guide to identifying tracks and signs of North American mammals.
Join others in identifying and documenting wildlife tracks.
Learn how to ethically engage with nature, including wildlife observation.
Basic identification tips and printable tracking sheets for beginners.
