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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Steve Cary (butterflies)
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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)
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 Drawn based upon US Geological Survey image  Photo: born1945  Photo: Kim A. Cabrera |  Raccoon(Procyon lotor)Family: Procyonidae (Raccoons, Ringtails, and Coatis) Gait: cross-over walk, gallop, lope Form: small claws; long toes Front Foot: 5 toes; 1.5 in (3.8 cm) - 3.2 in (8.1 cm) Hind Foot: 5 toes; 1.4 in (3.6 cm) - 4.1 in (10.4 cm) The inside toe registers slightly longer than the others. The negative space at the back of the front palm pad forms a small mound. Raccoon scat is tubular with an even thickness throughout and with blunt ends. Mammal Guide - Racoon |