After birds like snowy owls have landed on prey and scoops it up in its talons, brush strokes can be left behind in the snow after lifting off. (DNR Courtesy photo)
Tracks in the snow: What went by? BY ARIELLE BREEN VENTURE STAFF WRITER Whether it is a solo trek through snowy trails or a family snowshoe excursion, one common perk of snow is seeing what tracks are left behind by wildlife in Northwestern Michigan.
• Bring a ruler or coin for size reference and take a photo, or a pencil and paper to sketch out the track; and
Rachel Leightner, wildlife outreach coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division, shared how to identify some of the common Michigan animals that can be found in the region.
Leightner listed some of the frequent wildlife that can be seen, heard or their tracks left behind.
A few tips for identifying animals in the snow are include: • First look at the overall size, shape and the pattern of the footsteps;
Deer have two toes that leave heart shaped tracks in the snow, ranging in different sizes. A deer’s winter coat has hollow hairs that acts as insulation, retaining heat that allows them to lie in snow without freezing. (DNR Courtesy photo)
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• Use a track identification field guide to review findings and identify the species.
Snowy Owl Snowy owls migrate south to Michigan in the winter when food supply in the Arctic tundra is in short supply. They typically can be found in northern forests
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