February Frolic - Who’s Frolicking With You?
If you’ve been getting outside and frolicking this February, you may have noticed some signs left in the snow that you aren’t alone! This gallery features some tracks found by other North Country explorers, as well as resources to help you identify what you're frolicking with! And remember, no matter what you spot, be sure to share it with us via our Encounters page (https://www.natureupnorth.org/encounters).
First, a classic: White-Tailed Deer tracks! You can tell these tracks are from a deer from the heart shape formed by the two toes.
White-Tailed Deer Tracks - Encounter: Katherine Lukens
This is a sign of some fun in the snow being had by river otters! These slide patterns are characteristic of their movement, and the small tracks in the path are further evidence of at least one otter romping around in the area.
Otter Slide - Encounter: Justin Dalaba
The tell-tale signs of a rabbit! Rabbits are hoppers, and their large front feet are placed close together first, followed by their back feet resting directly behind, which creates this characteristic track.
Rabbit Tracks - Encounter: John Maye
Mice are also hoppers, albeit with smaller feet and the classic tail-drag snowmark.
Mice Tracks - Encounter: Bill Hill
Porcupines are mainly nocturnal, so getting a glimpse of these “snow tubes,” where they plowed through the deep powder, might be one of the easiest ways to know they’re around!
Porcupine “Snow Tube” - Encounter: Erika Barthelmess
Minks are another nocturnal animal, so although you’re unlikely to see them during the day, tracks like these will tell you that they have been frolicking.
Mink Tracks - Encounter: Bill Hill
And for those on any of the many North Country college campuses this time of year, there are still many creatures active. Thanks to North Country explorer Julia Zuckerman for pointing out the deer and squirrel tracks in this photo!
Deer and squirrel tracks - Encounter: Julia Zuckerman
Want to know what’s frolicking with you? Check out some of the links below for more information on identifying animal tracks on your next adventure!
https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/administration_pdf/tracks1.pdf
https://www.fws.gov/refuges/features/SnowTracks.html
https://www.oyccweb.com/uploads/2/6/4/4/26442920/animal_track_id_guide.pdf
Kayla Edmunds is a 2021 graduate of St. Lawrence University, where she studied Conservation Biology. Before taking on her role at Nature Up North Kayla completed undergrad research on two species of robber flies local to the North Country, which has made her an avid insect enthusiast. Kayla is excited to share her love of insects and all other aspects of the North Country environment through the education opportunities Nature Up North offers, and hopes to inspire a similar drive for ecological engagement in the North Country community. When not leading programs or hunting for bugs, she loves hiking, cross-country skiing, bird-watching, or a good puzzle.