Wildlife Track Identification Guide
A wildlife track identification guide with steps for finding, reading, and recording animal tracks so landowners can tell which species visit fields, trails, and water edges.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideWildlife & ConservationFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Choose a good tracking surface
- Look after rain or snow
- Note the track shape and toe pattern
- Check for claw marks
- Observe the walking pattern
- Photograph with a scale object
- Compare with a field guide
- Note habitat and location
- Record the species and confidence
How to use this guide
Read the steps once through before you start, then keep the page nearby while you work. Use the notes lines to add what your own setup needs.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA NRCS.
For more in this area, see the rural farm life guides. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Farm Data Services Track Every Seed but Cannot Locate One Dollar of Profit, and farming farm stories.