NATURE ACTIVITY
TRACKING

In this nature activity of animal tracks, we will see one of the signs that amimals leave for us. All animals leave tracks, including humans. We may not see the animal. Most come around while we sleep. Lucky for us, they leave behind many different signs of their passing. This nature activity will show you how to read a very interesting one. Running Deer will teach it to you.

"When I was a young girl and lived in the city, I never thought much about animals. They were something that I read about in books. Could they be a part of my life? No way! If they existed at all, it was far away in the country.

Was I ever wrong about that! I had a biology teacher in school who taught me a lot about wild animals in the city.

Whatever you use, make it nice and smooth and soft on top. Then place a little bit of food in the middle of your spot. An old piece of bread is good. Peanut butter is even better. Do this just before night time.

That's all you have to do. Wild animals will be attracted to the food and leave behind their tracks. Come back the next morning and take a look.

Did you find any animal tracks in your area? Can you tell what they were? There are many good books about animal tracks that can help you identify the animal that left them."

To complete this nature activity, find the tracks of three different wild animals that live near you. You may get them all in one night, but most likely, you will have to try several times to collect all three.

If you don't get any tracks at first, keep trying. It may take a while for the animals to find your area. It is ok if you don't know the name of the animal. You will be able to tell one track from another by the size and shape.

How did that nature activity go for you? How many tracks did you find? Can you see the toes? Can you see claw marks? Name the wild animals that you think may live around you.

Please fill in the simple form below with questions or comments that you have. One of us will send you a personal response with suggestions for more activities. Ask your parents if it is ok to do that.

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