Winter tracking is an art! For all you non-tracking-artists out there, enjoy these beginner tips for learning to recognize stories written in the snow by animal tracks and signs.

With sub-zero temps and a deepening snowpack, it’s becoming more important to give wildlife space. The energy an animal expends running from a person, dog, or car is energy they might have a hard time replenishing with limited browse and forage available over the winter. But, learning to identify tracks is a fun way to connect with the natural world and wildlife without needing to get close them, or even see them at all!

If you want to become an expert tracking artist, a good place to start is this U.S. Forest Service chapter by Halfpenny, Thompson, Morse, Holden, and Rezendes on snow tracking. Another great resource to look for at the library or book store is Mammal Tracks & Sign by Mark Elbroch.