AT HOME IN THE FOREST  

Signs of Wildlife

by John Mancuso, Director of Naturalist Education and Graphics, Greenburgh Nature Center - March 2005

Many times when you're walking through a forest trail it may seem like nobody is home.
 Animals may be hiding or sleeping in their homes, camouflaged, or just quiet.
But most forests are filled with animals. 
Next time you're on a nature hike, try seeing how many wildlife signs you can find
to let you know that animals are at home in the forest.

Use the list below as a guide.

o    Insect Holes in bark, leaves or on the ground      
o    Tracks                       

o    Lays (the impression of where an animal laid down)  

o    Burrows holes,      tree cavities
o    Galls        Nests         Webs 

o           Food Scraps              

o    Scratches or     claw marks on trees

o    Dead Insects    or other animals on the ground

o    Wood Chips around the base of the tree    Where did they came from?

o    Fur (animal hair),     Feathers      Scales        etc.

o    Animal Droppings        (scat),    

o    Scents        (of urine or musk)

o    Plants         (or anything) that has been moved or damaged

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