Identifying Animal Track Patterns

In this Wildlife Wednesday session, the focus is on learning the basics of animal tracking, specifically through understanding different gait patterns. The video introduces four main gait patterns: waddlers, bounders, perfect walkers, and hoppers, each with distinct characteristics. Viewers are encouraged to observe trails rather than individual tracks and to practice identifying these patterns in the field. The session concludes with a preview of future lessons on narrowing down tracks to specific species.

Why is it more useful to look for patterns in animal trails rather than individual tracks?

• Patterns help identify the animal's diet.

• Patterns can be helpful when track details are unclear.

• Patterns show the animal's age.

• Patterns are easier to see in ideal conditions.

Which of the following animals is considered a waddler?

• Rabbit

• Cat

• Bear

• River otter

How do waddlers move their feet?

• Front feet move first, then back feet.

• All four feet move simultaneously.

• Back feet move first, then front feet.

• Both feet on the same side move together.

Which animal is an example of a bounder?

• Dog

• Porcupine

• Fisher

• Squirrel

What is the movement pattern of bounders?

• They hop with both front feet together.

• They waddle from side to side.

• They move like an accordion or a slinky.

• They walk in a straight line.

Which animals are classified as perfect walkers or striders?

• Rabbits and hares

• Cats and dogs

• Weasels and otters

• Bears and badgers

What is direct registration in perfect walkers?

• When the animal hops with both front feet together.

• When the animal's back foot lands in the same spot as the front foot.

• When the animal moves both feet on the same side together.

• When the animal's tracks form a zigzag pattern.

Which of the following animals is a hopper?

• Bear

• Dog

• Squirrel

• Fisher

How do hoppers move their feet?

• They hop forward with both front feet and then bring their back feet around.

• They move like an accordion or a slinky.

• They move both feet on the same side together.

• They walk in a straight line.

What should you do to start identifying animal tracks?

• Measure the size of the tracks.

• Look for individual tracks only.

• Observe the trails and patterns left by animals.

• Focus on the animal's diet.