How to Identify Animal Footprint Tracks
The ability to identify animal footprint tracks is a valuable ability for anyone who spends time near the wilderness. Whether out for a hike, or on vacation it is helpful to know what wild animals are within your surroundings. This skill is not only useful for keeping you safe from dangerous animals, but also a fun way to pass the time with a group of people.
- Distinguish hooves from paws - Determine with the footprint is of hoof or paw. This will significantly impact your identification because certain animals have paws, while others have hooves.
- Determine the size of the footprint - Measure the width and length of the footprint. The animal's size usually correlates with size of the paw print. Also measure the depth of the depression the print made in the ground.
- Take note of the toes -The number of toes is one of the most significant characteristics for identifying animal footprint tracks. Many bears have five toes, while cats and canines have four toes.
- Assess the heal pad - Take note of the shape and size. Characteristics of front and rear heal pads as well as the presence of a cleft will have significant impact on determining animal size, species and gender.
- Notice the spacing between prints - For some animals, like deer, walk with a trot, leaving hind tracks close to or on top of front tracks.
- Pay attention to nearby vegetation - Certain animals will mark territory, while others may feed on plants. For example, many bears may rub on trees and leave large claw marks, while other animals may feast on berries and other vegetation.
- Research and compare- Use an animal encyclopedia to compare and research the footprint track. Draw a picture, or if you have a camera handy, take a snapshot of the footprint. Use the information you have gathered, along with the picture to determine the animal.