Wildlife can sometimes be hard to spot, but there are signs to look out for that show animals have been hanging around! Scientists often rely on animal signs to help them understand their behaviours. Animal signs include calls, burrows, leftover meals, territorial markings, fur, droppings and tracks. How many can you spot on your walk? You might even find some treasure to bring back with you, whether a nibbled nut or a left behind feather!
Below are some animal tracks you might come across. Remember take a note of the size and shape, and the number of toe or ‘claw’ marks you can see. A photograph can be a handy way to help identification back at home!
Deer prints display their cloven hooves. Deer prints have two oblong and pointed toe impressions that sit alongside each other, making the shape of an upside-down heart. Different species of deer can be hard to tell apart, but generally, the small muntjac leaves tracks that are about 3cm long, while the impressively large red deer leaves tracks up to 9cm long.
Badger prints are very robust and broad (6.5cm wide). They show long claw marks and have five toe pads in front of a wide rear pad. Their front and back paws differ slightly: the front-paw marks have longer claw marks, while the back-paw marks show the inner toes to be a little further forward.
Duck prints have three claws with visible webbing in between them, while bird prints show a long middle toe, two shorter and splayed outer toes, and a long backward-pointing toe. Swans display prints like ducks, but just much larger!
Otters’ prints are webbed and large (up to 9cm long and 6cm wide), with five toes and a large rear pad impression. Claw marks aren’t usually visible, and sometimes only four toes imprint, but if it’s a muddy area, you might just see the distinctive ‘drag’ of a tail.
Dog prints are easy to recognise. They have four toes and a big pad, with short, blunt claws. The size can vary depending on the dog breed!
Squirrel prints have five toes like every mammal, and all five will show up in their footprints. The claw marks normally show in the mud or snow. The feet have pads and tracks that are made on a firm surface. They look like a bunch of little spots.
Fox footprints have 4 slender toe prints and one large heel pad print. This gives their tracks an oval shape, although some have described them as being diamond-shaped!
EXTRA: If you find a footprint on your walk and would like to add an extra element to this activity, you can follow the instructions on our activity guide (which you can download below) on how to plaster cast it so you can take it back with you to keep and identify!
What you will need:
- Printed activity sheet
- Footprint ID guide (optional)
- Camera (optional – if you’d like to take pictures of your finds)
How to search for tracks and trails:
- Grab your tracks and trails activity sheet and head outside on your walk. Your activity sheet is there to guide you.
- Make sure to check the weather before you head out and dress appropriately.
- Remember to take your time and look closely for signs!
