Learn about animal behavior with a free beginner’s tracking class.
It’s just after dawn, and two mule deer are making their way along a trail. They stop to nibble on some sagebrush when they hear a twig snap in the distance. Just a split-second after their large ears pick up the sound, they take cover, bounding quickly to some large shrubs downhill. A few hours later, the entire scene unfolds again, as a trained naturalist “reads” the tracks left by those deer, recounting their every movement. Understanding the tracks left by wildlife gives us insight into their world, and you can learn the basics of tracking with afree class on Saturday, August 22.
It’s just after dawn, and two mule deer are making their way along a trail. They stop to nibble on some sagebrush when they hear a twig snap in the distance. Just a split-second after their large ears pick up the sound, they take cover, bounding quickly to some large shrubs downhill. A few hours later, the entire scene unfolds again, as a trained naturalist “reads” the tracks left by those deer, recounting their every movement. Understanding the tracks left by wildlife gives us insight into their world, and you can learn the basics of tracking with afree class on Saturday, August 22.
The Beginner Animal Tracking class will be held in OC Parks’ Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, an untouched canyon home to bobcat and coyote in addition to mule deer. Over the course of a short hike, you’ll learn how to apply the “Tracker’s Triangle,” which allows you to read tracks like a book: First, look at the track itself to identify the animal. Second, look at the track pattern, or gait, to determine direction and speed. Third, look for soil movement or “pressure release” that may tell you if an animal had to run away suddenly.
Many Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks animals are “crepuscular,” meaning they are most active at dawn or dusk. Beginning at 8 a.m., this 3-hour activity happens just after these animals have had their breakfast and left the trails for the day. It’s just the right time to look for tracks and other evidence of wildlife activity, such as scat (and also beat the heat). This activity is geared toward adults and older children ages 12 and up, so come prepared to learn and maybe even take some notes.
This class is free and requires online registration. Please note that this activity involves bending and squatting down on dusty trails, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Click here for more information or to register – there are limited spaces available for this activity, and registration closes August 21.
Many Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks animals are “crepuscular,” meaning they are most active at dawn or dusk. Beginning at 8 a.m., this 3-hour activity happens just after these animals have had their breakfast and left the trails for the day. It’s just the right time to look for tracks and other evidence of wildlife activity, such as scat (and also beat the heat). This activity is geared toward adults and older children ages 12 and up, so come prepared to learn and maybe even take some notes.
This class is free and requires online registration. Please note that this activity involves bending and squatting down on dusty trails, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Click here for more information or to register – there are limited spaces available for this activity, and registration closes August 21.
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