Scat & Tracks

Beneath your feet are clues for signs of wildlife that roams the park. After a particularly snowy or rainy day, hit the trails to investigate who was active recently. In this area, coyote tracks are frequently found leading to and from the protected eagle enclosure. Coyotes are typically walking with intention, leading to their next meal or closest hiding spot. Because of this, their tracks are often in a direct path with little straying. Compare this to dog tracks where they are walking all over the trail tracking scents along the way. This area of the park is highly trafficked by wildlife of all kinds, not just coyotes. Raccoons leave traces of their human-like hands on the trail as they approach the shoreline to gather insects and other small animals for dinner. Foxes can be seen in quick glimpses in the tall grass, stalking their prey, preparing to pounce. While rare, signs of porcupines can be found in woody areas, like the cottonwoods near the shoreline. Inspect trees for missing bark, or search for scat filled with plant material. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to find hints of any of the animals shown on the sign before you.