Animal Track Identification - Pictures and ID Chart (2024)

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Identifying Animal Footprints and Paw Prints

Catherine Boeckmann

December 5, 2023

Animal Track Identification - Pictures and ID Chart (2)

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You don’t have to be deep in the forest to be an animal tracker. Animal footprints are often as close as your backyard or garden. Take a look at these animal track pictures and charts—showing footprints in both snow and mud. Now, you can identify which wild animal walked through your yard lastnight!

How to Track Animals and Identify AnimalTracks

Tracking is something that you learn best by doing. Get out there and look! Here are a few tips:

  • Animal tracks are easiest to find in mud, soft garden soil, sand, andsnow.
  • Study the ground closely. Get down on your hands and knees. Note the size of the track and whether it shows claw marks. You may wish to make asketch.
  • Track early in the morning or late in the day when shadows make prints easier tosee.
  • Watch for animal droppings called scat. The scat will also help you track the animal. If it’s dry all the way through, the tracks may have been left a while ago. On the other hand, if it’s still moist, it indicates recent activity. Not only can it provide valuable information about the timing of their presence, but it can also give clues about their diet. Scat can tell you if you’re tracking a vegetarian or a meateater.
  • In case you lose the trail, don’t panic. Simply widen your search by scanning the area in a circular motion around the last track you found. This method increases your chances of picking up the trail again. Remember, patience is key when trackinganimals.
  • The most important tip of all: don’t get lost! While tracking animals can be an exciting adventure, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid getting lost. Carry a map, compass, or GPS device to ensure you can find your way back. Additionally, inform someone about your tracking plans and estimated returntime.

By following these tips and staying cautious, you can enhance your tracking skills and gain a deeper understanding of the wildlife around you. So, grab your gear, head out into nature, and embark on a thrilling animal tracking expedition.

ReadNext

  • Which Animals Are Eating Your Garden (And How to Keep Them Out!)

  • 3 Steps to Banish Rats and Mice from Your Shed, Barn, and Farm

  • Coexisting With Deer and Winter Wildlife

Animal Track Picturesin the WinterSnow

. For those living in snowy regions, winter can be a great time to observe and identify animal tracks. The white canvas of snow makes it easier to spot tracks and decipher their characteristics. Take a moment to examine these common animal tracks and familiarize yourself with their distinctpatterns.

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Animal Track Pictures in theMud

Here are the same animal tracks as they might look in a muddy garden orbackyard!

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We love all these animals, but if these are destroying your garden, here are simple ways to deter common critters:
Deer,mice,moles,rabbits,raccoons,skunks,squirrels,voles, andwoodchucks or groundhogs.

Have you seen any animal tracks in your backyard lately? Tell us about itbelow!

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprise that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann

Animal Track Identification - Pictures and ID Chart (6)

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Comments

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Can you please tell me what some tracks are, especially the two parallel lines not interspersed with footprints? Thank you.

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Tht would be skis.

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I believe we have a coyote den within 50 feet of my home. I’m almost positive I see them each night. They keep coming closer. I have a photo of some tracks in snow can you help me identify them?

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Would like to see coyote tracks, we have a pack in the area. I’m waiting for the snow, to see how close they are getting to the house.

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My partner and I are at odds over identifying a mysterious track in the snow. It is a single continuous indented line like a snake (snow snake?) about two inches wide with no foot prints beside anywhere. A vole dragging its belly? I say it is more likely snow fallen off a branch from above. We've never noticed any track like this before.

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I have pictures of tracks in field next to our home. Deer tracks we know, cats, we know. But this one with three out front and back. We can’t find. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

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My dog tied up with something that made these marks. 3 claws and a hole. I have a picture. My dog hemmed the animal under our deck but I couldn't see it. It clawed my dogs nose but I never saw the animal. I only heard it growl. It did not sound like a cat.

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I noticed that this article didn't include possum tracks. Other than coyotes/the neighbor's dog, and birds, possums are the most seen wildlife in this town. To me, their tracks look like little baby hands.

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Looking for Semi-aquatic pet turtle footprints examples _ thank you genuinely great read

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Hi, I was recently in Costa Rica and came across some huge catlike paw prints while hiking along the beach and mountains. Can I send you some photos to help you identify the breed of animal it is?

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Animal Track Identification - Pictures and ID Chart (2024)

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