A presentation is planned for Saturday morning at Laughing Brook in Hampden
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Bear tracks in the snow.
Winter in New England isn’t just for skiing and snowshoeing. Nature lovers also enjoy animal tracking in the snow. If there isn’t snow, there are other ways to spot animal signs. Families are invited to learn about animal tracking at “Tracking and Animal Signs at Laughing Brook,” on Saturday, February 16.
Sponsored by Connecticut River Valley Sanctuaries and Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, naturalist Kevin Kopchynski will lead the program, which is suitable for children 5 to 12 years old.
“We’re going to go and look at the story that the land is telling us about what the animals are doing,” Kopchynski said. “If there’s snow, that will be nice; there will be prints and tracks to look at.”
But if there’s no snow, that’s ok too.
“I kind of like it when there’s no snow,” Kopchynski said. “I like to open up people’s minds to all you can do without snow.”
If there’s snow, Kopchynski will show participants pictures of tracks in the snow, to give them an idea of what they can look for.
“It kind of helps if you have more pairs of eyes tuned in to look for something,” he said. “With kids, it’s always great. They’re always finding great things.”
With snow, participants can also learn about animal behavior patterns. A series of tracks can tell them whether the animal was moving fast or snow, for example.
If there’s no snow, Kopchynski will talk about the various signs of animal presence they might find in the woods.
“We can look for twigs (chewed on) by deer or rabbits, or acorns or nuts chewed up by flying squirrels or mice,” he said.
Participants may also find animal scat, which can help them identify animals which have been there.
“It’s not as easy (to track animals) without snow, but you can do it,” he said. “I’m hoping to get people to expand their idea of what tracking means.”
On the 353-acres of woodlands, meadows and streams at Laughing Brook, there is a four-mile trail system. Kopchynski said participants may find evidence of deer, fox or dogs.
“If there are actually tracks, there’s a reasonable chance of seeing rabbit or squirrel tracks,” he said. “Deer (tracks) are a little harder to come by, but sometimes on the walkway, they will still leave tracks even in the dirt and gravel.”
There’s also the possibility of seeing ruffed grouse or turkey. In the past, fisher tracks have been spotted down by the river.
This program, part of the Third Saturday Series, is geared toward families, and Kopchynski said it is ideal for everyone.
“We’re trying to address both parents and kids,” he said. “Usually by having things available and showing the kids what’s out there, they’re ready to go out and look. They’re pretty engaged.”
The program runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. It is $3 for adult and child MassAudubon members, and $5 for adult and child non-members. Registration for the event is required, and can be completed by calling Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary at 413-584-3009.
