Wildlife Tracking Workshop (March 17, 2018)

Conservation Commission Past Events

Ten people came out to the CREA property for a wildlife tracking workshop held by the Cornish Conservation Commission and led by tracking enthusiast Joe LaRue. Throughout the workshop, we spotted several animal tracks and signs while Joe encouragingly helped us look for clues as to what animals had been there and why.

One big takeaway from the workshop was to focus on your area of awareness in relation to your area of disturbance while walking through the woods. The animals throughout the forest talk to one another and tip each other off when there is a potential threat. The slower and quieter you walk, and less threatening you appear, the smaller your area of disturbance will be and the greater your chance of seeing more animals. Your area of awareness is broadened by understanding wildlife tracks and signs, and listening to what the birds and other animals are saying to each other.

Suggested Book: Mammal Tracks & Sign: A Guide to North American Species by Mark Elbroch
Suggested Facebook Groups:
New England Tracking Exchange
Animals Don’t Cover Their Tracks: Animal Track Identification Help Group
Tracking Certification Option: cybertracker.org