Animal Tracking
This patch had a green background which usually belongs to the Recreation category. It was changed to a white background to reflect the Nature category.
Animal Tracking
Overview
Maybe you’ve seen people on TV “track” humans through the woods by following invisible clues. It’s a lot harder than TV makes it look! With this honor you can learn to see and interpret sign left by wildlife (and by humans), and make a collection of plaster castings of animal tracks. Open your eyes to another world!
Investiture Achievement Connection: This Honor is related to the Investiture Achievement requirements for Companion Nature Study which require “Make plaster casts of three different animal tracks”. This Honor is a popular choice for the Level 1 Nature Honor required of Trail Companions.
Requirements
1. Know ten kinds of tracks, including two kinds of bird tracks. Make plaster casts of five.
2. Name at least three things that tracks tell us.
3. Trail some animal tracks, identify the animal if possible, and tell whether it was running or walking. Measure between the tracks of one animal when running and walking.
4. Maintain a tracking station for at least three days by doing the following:
- a. Select a flat open space in some quiet place near your camp or home.
- b. Smooth out ground, mud, sand, etc.
- c. Place food out for wildlife.
- d. Check each day for tracks and replenish food when necessary.
5. Name two animals for each tracking group.
- a. Flatfoots
- b. Toe walkers
- c. Toenail walkers
- d. Bounders or long hindleggers
6. Name four signs of the presence of mammals.
7. Distinguish between rabbit and squirrel tracks, and between dog and cat family tracks.
8. Name two groups of animals (mammals, birds, insects, etc.) that leave tracks or scent trails that another of their kind can follow.
9. Name two birds for each of the following type of tracks:
- a. Hopping
- b. Walking
10. Besides tracks, give two other signs of the presence of birds.
11. Name two birds identified by their flying patterns.
12. In your area, observe tracks or trail of one or more of the following:
- a. Toad or frog
- b. Snake
- c. Turtle
- d. Mollusk
- e. Earthworm
- f. Mole
1. Know ten kinds of tracks, including two kinds of bird tracks. Make plaster casts of five.
2. Name at least three things that tracks tell us.
3. Trail some animal tracks, identify the animal if possible, and tell whether it was running or walking. Measure between the tracks of one animal when running and walking.
4. Maintain a tracking station for at least three days by doing the following:
- a. Select a flat open space in some quiet place near your camp or home
- b. Smooth out ground, mud, sand, etc.
- c. Do not place food for animals at the tracking station. Learn why feeding wild animals is illegal in many jurisdictions.
- d. Check each day for tracks and identify what animal made it. Cast, sketch or photograph at least one of the tracks.
5. Name two animals for each tracking group.
- a. Flatfoots
- b. Toe walkers
- c. Toenail walkers
- d. Bounders or long hindleggers
6. Name four signs of the presence of mammals.
7. Distinguish between rabbit and squirrel tracks, and between dog and cat family tracks.
8. Name two groups of animals (mammals, birds, insects, etc.) that leave tracks or scent trails that another of their kind can follow.
9. Name two birds for each of the following type of tracks:
- a. Hopping
- b. Walking
10. Besides tracks, give two other signs of the presence of birds.
11. Name two birds identified by their flying patterns.
12. In your area, observe tracks or trail of one or more of the following:
- a. Toad or frog
- b. Snake
- c. Turtle
- d. Mollusk
- e. Earthworm
- f. Mole
Answer key & resources
Investiture Achievement
This honor is required, suggested or listed as an option in:
Patch history
Earlier designs of this patch. See all outdated insignia.
See also
- Animal Tracking - AdvancedHonor
- CompanionReference
Adapted from AY Honors/Animal Tracking on the Pathfinder Wiki, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. See the original page's history for its authors.
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