Winter Time Tracking

Scout checking out a fox scent post.

Winter time and especially if there has been fresh snow in the last couple days is the best time to get outside and follow some animal tracks. The Pandemic may have people feeling trapped in their homes. This is our suggestion of how to get outside, get some exercise, fresh air, learn and even check out if there is any creatures invading your home.

You don’t need to own a large property as I’m sure you will find some tracks even on a small lot. Start around your house. Look down, look for tiny tracks, large tracks, dirt stains, trails, or even tunnels in the snow. If your finding many of these or what looks to be large concentrations of trails or tracks, this might be something worth looking into. Check around doorways and cracks or penetrations through the foundation. While your out check to make sure all dryer, furnace and stove vents are clear of snow and able to run properly.

Next look up on your roof. Don’t venture onto a snow covered roof, a view from the ground is more than sufficient. Look for tracks on the roof. Is something is jumping off a nearby tree or pole? 
Is something digging down possibly entering a roof vent?
If there is snow on some parts of your house and not on others you may want to look into your attic insulation. It could be a result of heat loss.

Now that you have checked around your house venture a little further out. Check out trees, bushes, flower beds, fence and tree lines. You will find a larger variety of tracks in these areas. Are any of these tracks heading towards your home?
Check out bird feeders. Are there tracks leading from the feeder into or nearby your home? That might be another spot to investigate further.

If you still have some energy to burn look for tracks in open fields and woods. There’s no telling the amount of tracks you will see and things you will learn about your local wildlife. You will be able to tell different animals apart. How many there might be and different sizes easily. Look for animals that might be sliding through the snow, or dragging something like the tail or a tree limb. Looking for animal dens or beds and scent posts along trails.

Enjoy the time outside. Feel free to share with us any unique finds. If you any questions on what some tracks might be please send them to us!