NR001 PHENOLOGY BLOG

A UVM Blog by Grace Weckesser

ANIMAL CLUES AT NATURE STUDY (02/04/2021)

New semester, new updated phenology blog post for New Rochelle’s Nature Study Woods! Today we’ll be exploring evidence of active animals in the woods by tracking the clues they’ve left behind.

Even before we arrive at Nature Study Woods however, animal activity is still commonly seen, an example even right outside of my back door! The phenomena of hibernation is misconstrued. Animals are still making their moves out in nature much more than people think!

What tracks are these right on my own patio? Most likely raccoon!
Snowy entrance of Nature Study Woods! Time to go track hunting.
Being a popular spot for dog walkers and nature goers, its expected that right at the entrance we’ll find a mix of human, dog, AND deer prints!
Our graffitied friend featured in past blog posts making an appearance again, now covered in some snowflakes.
Lots and lots of instances of deer tracks following a path. They’ve got somewhere to be!
Even instances of deer scat following those deer track trails.
What tracks are these? They barely penetrate the first inch of snow. This looks partially like dog prints, but it could even be mixed with squirrel or even skunk prints.
Deer and raccoon? They must be mingling.
Something indistinguishable to me… are these tracks deer tracks that have been covered in another falling of snow? Or maybe even rabbit…
Finally, what are these big broad tracks? A big goose with broad feet? A bear? Nope. Snowshoe prints!

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