When taking photos, place a coin, pen, or pocket knife in the field of view to help define the scale. Photos of scat are often useful in animal identification and can provide insight into the animal’s diet (undigested plant, insect, and animal matter). Simple changes an animal's diet can dramatically change the color, shape and contents of the feces making it difficult to determine the source of the droppings. Do not breathe near or smell the scat as some diseases can be contracted through airborne particles. Use disposable latex gloves and place the sample in a glass jar or sealable container. Brush off soil and grit after the cast has had a day or more to harden.Īnimal scat can also help us to identify wildlife species, but before you begin, there are some precautions that will protect you from zoonotic diseases. Cut around it with a knife, remove some soil from under the edges all around the cast, then lift out the piece from a point well underneath the track. Wait for 10 minutes or more to allow it to set hard. Fill the mold with the plaster, covering the inside mold to a depth of 1 inch below the top of the cardboard. Mix the plaster of paris with water until it is the consistency of pancake batter. Press the cardboard about ½ inch into the ground without disturbing the track. Make a circular mold out of waxed cardboard or plastic that is about 2 ½ inches tall. Locate a well-defined track and carefully remove and debris from the soil surface. Casts of tracks are especially useful when identifying predators such as coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and mountain lions. Track will assist in identifying the species and allow you to take appropriate steps to exclude the animal or otherwise prevent damage.Īnimal tracks can also be preserved by making casts using plaster of paris. If an animal is accessing a certain area, you may smooth the soil surface with a broom or even prepare a container of fine, moist soil that will readily form tracks. along riparian areas, ditch banks, and in irrigated fields). Fresh tracks are easiest to identify where soft substrates and/or soil moisture exists (i.e. Other than the damage itself, tracks and/or scat (animal excrement) are often the only calling cards left by mysterious visitors.Īnimal tracks can be difficult to find. Many animals are secretive and/or nocturnal making it difficult to identify them. In these cases, they can also increase our risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans). Other times, animals take up residence in our homes, outbuildings and vehicles. Wildlife and domestic animals often cause plant damage and negatively impact gardens, orchards, and landscapes. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County Jeff Schalau, Associate Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources Track and Scat Identification - November 3, 2010 Backyard Gardener - Track and Scat Identification - November 3, 2010
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