Discover the Fun of Animal Tracking This Winter

Hey friends, it's Ms. Alicia here, ready to help you dive into one of my favorite winter activities: identifying animal tracks! This hands-on adventure is perfect for curious kids and families looking to connect with nature. Let’s explore why searching for animal tracks in the winter is so much fun and how you can get started.

Why Winter is Perfect for Tracking

Winter offers the ideal conditions for spotting animal tracks. Snow, mud, and wet sand create a natural canvas where wildlife leaves behind clues about their activities. Whether you're in your backyard, a local park, or a nature preserve, you’ll be amazed at the stories these tracks tell.

Animal tracking encourages kids to use observation skills, ask questions, and engage their imaginations. Who made this track? Where were they going? What were they doing? It’s like solving a mystery in nature!

Tips for Identifying Animal Tracks

Here’s a photo I recently took in a wildlife area in Washington state. It shows several tracks, but let’s focus on one. What do we notice?

1. Five digits

2. Different front and back prints

3. Visible claws

Based on these clues, what do you think this animal could be? If you’re not sure, don’t worry. Field guides and online resources can help you identify tracks in your area.

Field Guides and Resources

Here are some of my favorite tools for identifying animal tracks:

Field Guides for Adults and Older Kids

• Peterson Field Guide to Animal Tracks*

• Scats and Tracks of the Mid-Atlantic: A Field Guide to the Signs of 70 Wildlife Species

• Stikky Tracks

Board Books for Little Explorers

• Whose Track Is It? by Radka Piro and Carmen Saldana

• Life-Sized Animal Tracks by John Townsend

Make Tracking a Family Adventure

Start your animal tracking journey by heading outside after a fresh snowfall or exploring muddy trails after the rain. Bring a notebook or camera to document your discoveries, and pair it with a field guide to identify your findings.

Animal tracking not only gets kids moving and observing but also helps them develop a sense of wonder and respect for wildlife. Plus, it’s a free and easy way to spend quality time outdoors as a family.

So grab your warm clothes and head outside to see what tracks you can find! Happy tracking!

What’s the coolest animal track you’ve spotted? Share your stories in the comments!