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Wildlife Track and Sign Documentation
It is not uncommon for the animals we monitor to leave tracks or signs of their presence even if they do
not trigger our remote camera trap. If you observe tracks, scat or other signs that may be from one of our
target species (on your way to the camera or at the camera site) use these procedures for documenting
the sign. This information may be useful for refining our camera trapping effort or as evidence of the
presence of our target species.
Documenting Tracks and Signs
See appendix for diagrams and further instructions.
Stop your companion(s) and bring tracks to their attention. Stop walking to prevent destroying tracks.
Determine if you believe the tracks or sign in question could possibly be one of our target species. If so,
proceed to document them. If not, carry on with your other activities.
Select the clearest tracks for photographs (and measurements). Consider photographing tracks in a
variety of locations if possible. When ambiguous or unidentifiable tracks are found, the first step is to
search the area for better tracks of the same animal. If there is a trail you can follow, this is one way you
may discover clearer tracks for that individual. In general, look for where the creature has entered more
sheltered areas away from direct sunlight, wind, further snowfall, or whatever has likely obscured the
tracks.
If clearer identifiable tracks cannot be found, then ambiguous tracks, which could be one of our target
species, should be documented with care. Unclear tracks that are clearly NOT the target species do not
need to be documented. Photograph tracks, trail patterns, and other signs as per photo-documentation
procedures below.
General consideration
Take multiple photographs to ensure you get a quality shot. Take at least one picture of the track that
includes a card in the picture with:
