Route 25 goes southeast-west, as does the Bearcamp river. The undeveloped Ossipee Mountains lie to the south and White Lake State Park is to the north, connected by the natural areas along the river. Three corridors weave through each other, allowing cars, water, and wildlife to move. The river provides a fine sand under the bridge where they meet. The seasons are changing, the weather is cooling off, and the animals are in a state of hyperphagia and storing food and preparing for winter. After two weeks of dry weather, animals may have been seeking water at the riverbank. These conditions set the stage for an epic day of tracking. The number of tracks that we found was exciting and we had a great group with a blend of new and experienced trackers.
This picture might convey the luck we had: Human, caterpillar, beetle, white footed mouse, gray fox, gray squirrel?, and some unknown tracks (possibly a continuation of the gray fox?)-- all within 2 sq ft.
Beaver Tail drag obscuring front and hind beaver tracks
Big ol' front moose track with dewclaws
Great Blue Heron Tracks
A Frog or Toad in a walk.
We also saw the tracks of a small Bear, Jumping Mouse, Long-Tailed Weasel, Domestic Dog, Chipmunk, Raccoon with a baby, tree cavity dwelling Duck, and so many other tracks.
We are so grateful for the new folks that came out with us and we are looking forward to an exciting season!
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