1/14/24 Bearcamp Trackers Outing
We had our biggest group of the year and some trying snow conditions. I am thinking of the expression "You miss every opportunity you don't take." Well, we went out not expecting much given the conditions and were rewarded with two challenging trails.
This is the first track I saw with Ned and Steve.
If you're thinking to yourself, "That's a terrible track", you're thinking the same thing I was. When you're in these circumstances, take an inventory of what you do know for sure:
1. Walking direct register gait
2. 14" stride
3. very wide 3-4 in
4. Melted out/Splayed
5. More wide than long track
6. belly drag ~7"
7. deep snow-- which animals prefer walking in these conditions
8. going under low brush and low log.
9. climbing on downed logs
10. ** Strong cat-like scent on rotten snag where it backed up to spray!
As the tracking expression goes, "When in doubt, follow it out."
This Fisher was in a 3X4 rotary lope, which is the "harmonic gait" (comfortable/natural rhythm). 5 distinct toes, clearly defined pads.
Steve found what we believe to be an old Southern Flying Squirrel cavity.
And Southern Flying Squirrel Scat
We also found what we believe to be a sawfly cocoon on a Beech Tree with ~15 eggs in it.
And explored a number of cavities and red squirrel territorial markings.
Overall, an excellent day! Thank you all for joining us!
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