Tracks and Trails

On a wet and blustery May weekend, thirteen intrepid souls travelled to Minnekhada Regional Park for a North-western Carnivore Tracking seminar with Sue Morse.  The “Woods Scientist” took us on a two day adventure that would alter our view of the wild forever. Sue is an interpreter/translator of animal signs.  She helps you to see and understand the subtle messages and stories that animals leave behind through their markings, scent and scat.  The breadth of her knowledge of animal behaviour, habitat needs and sign was awesome.

Sue Morse has been tracking and interpreting wildlife uses of habitat for over 30 years. Not only is she an exceptional tracker but she is an accomplished photographer. Her presentation included a stunning array of animal photographs that illustrated what to look for when tracking animals.

The day began with a walk in Minnekhada Regional Park.  We were out for about 5 minutes when Roger Bean and his Karelian Bear Dog, Kasey caught the scent of a wild animal. This led to a giant cedar tree and sure enough three bears were lounging in the branches about 25 feet above our heads.  We were thrilled with that wildlife viewing opportunity and it kept on going. By the end of the day we saw a western toad the size of a grapefruit as well as a Black tail Buck with a rack of velvet.   What a red letter day!

Day two we moved to Campbell Valley and saw all manner of deer sign.  The thrill of the day came when Sue and Roger discovered a cache of dead birds – a pantry for some wild animal.  Sue said that this was a common behaviour for the red fox – a species thought to have been extirpated from the area.  Roger set up a wildlife camera the following week in hopes of obtaining definitive proof. So far there are no photographs from the eco paparazzi.

Overall the weekend was inspiring!  Sue is a gifted animal tracker and superb instructor.  Her experience, salty sense of humour and approachable style made this an unforgettable experience.

Thanks to Roger Bean for arranging the workshop. His enthusiasm for tracking is infectious!  Thank you to the Pacific Parklands Foundation for supporting this incredible learning experience. Thank you to Sue Morse for travelling from Vermont to share her enthusiasm and knowledge.