Track categories#
Tracks and other animal evidence help us discover the mammals that inhabit the Massachusetts landscape.
Tracking terms:#
- Track = an impression or print left by an animal
- Trail = a group of tracks showing movement and activity of animal
- Stride = the distance measured between tracks or sets of tracks
- Straddle = the distance measured as the width of a set of tracks
Types of tracks based on number of toes:#
| Front foot | Hind foot | Family | Trail type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | Deer | Walker |
| 4 (no claws) | 4 (no claws) | Cat | Walker |
| 4 | 4 | Dog | Walker |
| 4 | 4 | Rabbit | Hopper |
| 4 | 5 | Rodent | Hopper |
| 5 | 5 | Weasel | Bounder |
| 5 | 5 | Skunk | Waddler |
| 5 | 5 | Opossum | Waddler |
| 5 | 5 | Raccoon | Waddler |
Types of trails:#
- Hoppers = movement when an animal’s larger hind feet land in front of smaller forefeet
- Walkers = movement when an animal places hind foot into the track of the front foot
- Bounders = movement when an animal places feet in diagonal pairs
- Waddlers = movement when an animal places feet in parallel pairs
Helpful tracking tools:#
- Tape measure
- Notebook and pencil
- Hand lens
- Reliable tracking guide
- Popsicle sticks
Stokes, D. & L. 1986. Stokes Guide to Animal Tracking and Behavior. Little, Brown and Company. Boston.
Rezendes, P. 1999. Tracking & The Art Of Seeing, How to Read Animal Tracks and Sign. HarperCollins, New York.