Tracking 101

All animals leave different footprints, scat droppings, and other signs that allow us to identify them in the wild. Tracking animals helps us understand animals, their behaviors, and how the environment impacts them.

Why We Track Animals

People have been tracking animals throughout history as a way to follow and learn information about animals. Tracking began as a way for hunters to follow and learn information about animals and their behaviors. It was a critical skill to have to find and hunt food. Hunters focus on footprints, scat droppings, rubs, feathers, and other signs to identify species. Great trackers can determine species, if they are a male or female, if they are wounded, and what the animal was doing.

Tracking is not only for hunting. Researchers also track animals. They use technology to help them understand how individuals and populations move rather than focusing on deciphering species and location like hunters. When researching an animal, tracking can provide more information about feeding habits, breeding grounds, and other behaviors. Not only is this information useful for biologists but also conservationists. We consistently track endangered species to monitor their behaviors, migration patterns, and identify their habitats. For example, when scientists use tracking techniques to find critical nesting areas for piping plovers during their long migrations, they can better protect those areas and improve their population. Tracking animals is becoming mor