This guide initially displays common tracks of all shapes. Use the selectors below to view particular shapes, include rare species, or search by name.
Anything that moves over the ground leaves some sort of marking of its passage. In particular, footprints left behind in soil, snow, mud, or other ground surfaces provide a means of recognizing different species. The illustrations and characteristics listed below highlight key features that can be used to identify the tracks of many of the animals in the area.
Track References
Alderness Wilderness College
Animal Track ID [PDF]
Beartracker
Deerdance
Elbroch, Mark, 2003 Mammal Tracks and Signs: A Guide to North American Species
eNature
Gaits
Lowery, James, 2013 Tracker’s Field Guide. Falcon Guides
Nature Tracking
North Woods Guides
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Subject Area Experts (all guides)
Steve Cary (butterflies)
Beth Cortright (insects)
Terry Foxx (invasive plants)
Leslie Hansen (mammals)
Richard Hansen (fish, mammals)
Dorothy Hoard (butterflies, trees)
Chick Keller (flowers, herbarium)
Shari Kelley (geology)
Kirt Kempter (geology)
Garth Tietjen (reptiles)
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 Drawn based upon National Park Service image  Photo: Jacob W. Frank  Photo: redazadi |  Elk, Wapiti(Cervus elaphus canadensis, Cervus canadensis)Family: Cervidae (Ruminants) Gait: gallop, lope, trot, walk Form: dew claws; hoofed toes Front Foot: 2 toes; 2.9 in (7.4 cm) - 4.7 in (11.9 cm) Hind Foot: 2 toes; 2.0 in (5.1 cm) - 4.6 in (11.7 cm) The toes are blunt with a straight or slightly convex outer surface. The cleave area between the toes may appear raised. Elk scat consists of a pile of roundish pellets that can be slightly squashed and misshapen. Mammal Guide - Elk |
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