Urban Wildlife Tracking

Animals tell the stories of their lives by the tracks they leave behind, each writing its own unique "track signature", as well as a narrative of their travels, on snow-covered landscapes. With the opportunity to literally walk in their paw prints, the observant naturalist is given the opportunity to gain insights into the natural history of both common, as well as normally elusive, woodland denizens. In this introductory workshop, using sand-filled trays and plaster casts, participants will learn basic track and track pattern characteristics of some of the commonly encountered, winter-active, Vermont mammals. As a field biologist, John Jose has worked on amphibian and reptile, mammal, and avian management projects, including bald eagle, osprey, common loon, and river otter reintroduction programs. He enjoys sharing the mysteries and wonders of the natural world with others, including his enjoyment of winter wildlife tracking.