Tracking Presentations at the Outdoor Adventure Expo, Nov 21 & 22

Friday, Nov. 21, 7:00p.m., Midwest Mountaineering – Expedition StageTracking is the study and interpretation of the footprints and other signs left behind by animals going about their lives. Tracking begins with identifying the animal that left the tracks and grows into understanding the intimate details of that animal's life. For our distant ancestors this was a matter of survival. For us, tracking is a way to connect deeply with the natural world and learn about the habits whereabouts of species of special interest. In this session, Jonathan will introduce the fundamentals of tracking and share about opportunities to participate in wolf track surveys in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project

Saturday, Nov. 22, 4:45p.m., U of M – Hanson Hall, Room 103The Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project is a new citizen science program designed to increase our understanding of carnivore populations in Minnesota while connecting managers, wildlife enthusiasts, and concerned citizens in meaningful partnership. Trained volunteers will conduct winter snow track surveys to estimate presence and abundance of wolves and other carnivores. We plan to pilot the program this winter and build a state-wide network of volunteers in coming years.