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)
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Shari Kelley (geology)
Kirt Kempter (geology)
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 Drawn based upon US Geological Society image  Photo: Scott Camazine  Photo: Kim Cabrera |  Skunk(Mephitis mephitis)Family: Mephitidae (Skunks) Gait: lope, overstep walk Form: large claws; round toes Front Foot: 5 toes; 1.0 in (2.5 cm) - 1.8 in (4.4 cm) Hind Foot: 5 toes; 1.3 in (3.2 cm) - 2.0 in (5.1 cm) The small toe on the inside of the hind foot does not always register. The interdigital and proximal pads as well as the heel pad can often be seen in a print. Scat is cylindrical with blunt ends. It is mostly composed of insect parts. Nests and burrows carry the smell of skunk musk. Mammal Guide - Skunk |
