Tracks in the snow

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.

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.

A few tips for identifying animals in the snow are include: • First look at the overall size, shape and the pattern of the footsteps;

• Bring a ruler or coin for size reference and take a photo, or a pencil and paper to sketch out the track; and • Use a track identification field guide to review findings and identify the species.

Leightner listed some of the frequent wildlife that can be seen, heard or their tracks left behind.

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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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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Small mammals like shrews and voles create their own ecosystem under the snow. In the layer between the snow surface and the ground, these critters build trails that allow them to travel without being exposed to the cold air and predators. (DNR Courtesy photo)

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Turkeys are still active in winter and they have a large track with three narrow toes pointing forward and one toe pointing back. They measure about 3.75 to 5 inches long and 4 to 5.5 inches wide. (DNR Courtesy photo)

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hunting small rodents. After an owl has landed on prey and scoops it up in its talons, brush strokes can be left behind in the snow after lifting off.

Wild Turkey

Turkeys are still active in winter. They have a large track with three narrow toes pointing forward and one toe pointing back. They measure about 3.75 to 5 inches long and 4 to 5.5 inches wide. Song birds have similar tracks but are much smaller.

White-Tailed Deer

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. Small Mammals

Small mammals like shrews and voles create their own ecosystem under the snow. In the layer between the snow surface and the ground, these critters build trails that allow them to travel without being exposed to the cold air and predators.

Snowshoe Hare

These hares transition from brown or tan summer coats to pure white coats in the winter to conceal them from predators. They have advantageous, large back feet that allow them to sit on top of deep snow, helping them to move faster and reach foods more easily.

Wildlife enthusiasts interested in learning more about Michigan’s critters can visit michigan.gov/wildlife.