Who Ate the Goodies?

Many wild animals are secretive, nocturnal or scarce. So it is often easier to see evidence of animal activity, than it is to actually see them. On a hike outside you might observe nibbled twigs, burrow holes and scat left on a rock. These signs are often confusing except to the most experienced tracker. This is not the case with animal tracks which are easily seen and can often be matched to the animal that left them.

Figuring out which animal left tracks is a nature detective job, one which kids love. With so much snow and mud in Los Alamos right now, it is an especially good time to get kids on the case. So try this activity with your children. In the evening set out some "goodies" on a flat surface. This could be bits of dog food, fruit, peanut butter spread on bread or table scraps. If you do this where there is no snow or mud, try sprinkling flour on the ground around the goodies. Go to bed and in the morning when you wake up go outside and see if your goodies have been eaten. If so, you'll see tracks. Try drawing (or photographing) and measuring the tracks as well as counting the number of toes and measuring the distance between prints. There are many animal tracking guides that can be referred to once you've collected your evidence. With good detective work the case of who ate the goodies will be solved.

Starting a collection of plaster casts is also fun and informative. First cut a half gallon milk carton into four horizontal sections. The spout section is not needed. The bottom section should be tall enough to mix the plaster. The two other upper sections, each about 2inches wide, can be used for containment moulds around each track. Second mix the plaster and gently pour it over the track within the mold walls. Leave it to harden. When it is finished, write on the bottom of the cast the date, location, and, if known, the kind of animal that made the track. By starting a collection and comparing and contrasting their tracks, much can be learned about the animals that roam our area. As always, have fun doing nature science with your family.