Wildlife Tracking Fundamentals

From the tiniest shrews to bears and cougars, the signs of wild animals are around us year-round, waiting to be discovered by the observant outdoor adventurist. Humans’ unique ability to find, interpret and follow the tracks and signs of wildlife is a skill that has been a fundamental part of our relationship with the natural world from the beginnings of our species. Tracking skills, found in the traditional ecological knowledge of many cultures around the world, continues to be a fundamental field skill in contemporary wildlife research and management, hunting, recreation and environmental education.

In this three day workshop, participates train in the fundamental field skills to reliably and consistently identify and interpret wildlife tracks and other signs. The class covers how to use wildlife tracking to explore the unique biology and ecological relationships of local wildlife species to each other and their environment. How to apply wildlife tracking to help directly observe wildlife is introduced.

Learning Objectives

1. Train participants in track identification and interpretation methods and practice these techniques in the field with local species and habitats.
2. Practice using wildlife tracking to explore local wildlife biology and ecology.
3. Introduction to using tracking methods to find and observe wildlife.