There’s nothing better than enjoying a warm summer day outside! Being in nature is a great way to spend time with your kids and can even help them learn about the world around them! To help your little ones learn about the wildlife in your area, Personal Creations has made a printable Animal Tracks Guide for kids you can use to find and identify animal tracks in your own backyard!

No matter where you live, animal life is abundant! Learn which animals are common in your area with help from this animal track guide, which will help you identify different types of footprints and who might have made them. Here are the types of animal tracks you can find with your kids using this field guide:

• Canines (dogs, coyotes, wolves)
• Felines (cats, bobcats, cougars)
• Small mammals (squirrels, opossums, skunks)
• Hooved animals (deer, bison, wild hogs)
• Birds (crows, owls, eagles)
• Reptiles and amphibians (lizards, turtles, alligators)
• Bears

You’ll  even learn some fun facts about different types of animals! For example, did you know black bears actually come in six different colors? They can be black, red, blue, blonde, chocolate, and cinnamon!

Where to Look for Animal Tracks

Depending on where you live, it might be tricky to find animal tracks! Look for these ground types for easier tracking:

• Snow
• Mud
• Sand
• Dirt

What to Look For

There are plenty of ways to tell if an animal has been by! Note these trail features:

• Claw marks: Some animals (like cats) could leave claw marks when they walk!
• Broken foliage: Some animals (like bears) leave a trail of damaged plants in their wake.
• Scat: Droppings are a great way to identify animals in the area!

Don’t Forget to Bring Supplies

If you’re planning a bigger hiking trip or tracking excursion, remember to bring these things with you!

• Backpack
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• First aid kit

Printable Field Guide

Print out the Animal Tracks Field Guide before heading out on your tracking adventure with your kids!

Animal Tracks Guide For Kids Instructions:

1. Download the field guide pages and print them on standard paper or cardstock.
2. Stack the pages neatly and punch a hole in the top corner.
3. Use string or twine to bind the pages together.