Wildlife Tracking
Wildlife tracking includes the identification of animal tracks and gait patterns, as well as the identification of all of the “sign” that animals leave such as scats, pellets, digs, shelters, chew marks, nests, feathers, bones, kill sites, feeding signs, territorial or scent markings, and so much more! Tracking also includes trailing animals across the landscape for a variety of reasons including wildlife research, photography, hunting, and curiosity.
If you have ever been curious about a track that you saw on the side of the trail, or a feather that you found while out on a hike, attending one or more tracking days might be for you! These tracking days are good for both beginner and intermediate trackers, but will be primarily geared towards beginners.
In this course, we meet once a month, on a Sunday, at a location that is either good for seeing clear-print tracks, or at a location that offers up an abundance of “sign”.
Each tracking day is a stand-alone event, however, the series of tracking days throughout the year is intended to serve as a well-rounded introduction to the art of tracking.
Times: 8:30am-11:30am (tracks tend to weather significantly, so getting out earlier in the morning ensures the best tracking conditions).
Class size: 12
What to Bring: Journal, pen and colored pencils, snacks, 1 liter of water, appropriate clothing for the weather. Field guides are encouraged and welcomed, but not necessary or required!
Cost: $60 per tracking day, or $160 for 3 tracking days (email Kate Peters at bayareaearthschool@gmail.com for the discount code)
Recommended field guides: Mammal Tracks and Sign: A guide to North American Species, by Mark Elbroch. Bird Tracks and Sign: A guide to North American Species, by Mark Elbroch and Eleanor Marks.
Registration
September 20th, 2026: Gazos Creek State Beach
October 11th, 2026:
November 22nd, 2026: Gazos Creek State Beach
December 20th, 2026:
January 24th, 2027: Gazos Creek State Beach
February 21st, 2027:
March 21st, 2027: Gazos Creek State Beach
April 18th, 2027:
May 16th, 2027: Gazos Creek State Beach
June 27th, 2027:
August 22nd, 2027: Gazos Creek State Beach
Top left: Mountain lion and crow tracks in mud. Top right: Vole skull showing zig-zag pattern of teeth. Bottom left: Acorn Woodpecker feather. Bottom right: The nest of an Oriole made from fishing line and lichen (the body of a chick was inside the nest, having gotten tangled in the fishing line).
Top left: Western toad tracks in sand. Top right: House Finch eggs in nest. Bottom left: the shed skin of a gopher snake. Bottom right: Black rat skull.