On track with nature

The written language is an amazing phenomenon and a practical tool. Historical texts follow the trails of people. Poems bring art. Stories create entertaining education. Articles deliver information. Signs give direction. Regardless the genre, the written word is a record of humanity. It leaves clues to our habits and lifestyles. The written word is so important that long after humanity has been extinguished our entire culture could be pieced together from the words we leave behind.

So with knowledge of human language, I wonder, is there a written language of nature? To answer this, I look to the earth, to the mountains, to the valleys for the tracks of geology and zoology.

Symbols in the soil

Is there a written language that reveals the habits of animals? Is there a way to learn about our elusive and rarely seen neighbors? I have learned a tremendous amount about animals, not by actual observation, but by following and learning about their tracks. Who knew dirt could be fascinating?

Dirt is also known as substrate. Substrate can make all the difference in how much information can be obtained from a track. As an animal passes by, it leaves footprints in the substrate. As can be imagined, moist dirt containing some clay will hold a track and its details. On the opposite side of the spectrum, granite or cement substrate retains little evidence that an animal has passed by. Between these two substrates exists every possible combination you can imagine, sand to leaf duff to fine dust.

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers FOOTPRINTS- This photo taken in the Sespe Wilderness shows just how big bear tracks can be. When I come upon a good substrate, like a creek bank, my eyes are drawn to the soil. I immediately begin to search for any sign that something other than nonliving substances have been there. Here are some identifying traits to help you decipher tracks you may come upon. These factors are like letters in the alphabet; after letters come words, sentences and then stories.

Dogs and their relatives

Animals in the canine family, the coyote, fox and dog, leave tracks showing four toes. Usually there will also be obvious marks from the claws near the tops of the toes. Behind the toes is a large triangular pad shaped with two lobes on the posterior sides. The overall shape of the track is oval. To distinguish between coyote and fox tracks, size will be a great factor. Domestic dog tracks will be more difficult to determine.

The slinky and the masked

Mountain lions, bobcats, domestic cats- - species in the feline family- - also leave tracks showing four toes. But unlike canines, cats have retractable claws, therefore claw marks infrequently register in a track. Behind the four toes is a large pad that differs from dogs,' having three lobes on the posterior edge. In addition, the feline track is more circular than the canines' oval shape.

Another common track seen in the Santa Monica Mountains is the raccoon. Raccoons leave tracks with five toes or fingers, often showing claws. Unlike felines or canines, the raccoons' toes and fingers are thin and elongated, similar to a human hand. The interdigital or largest pad on the front paw of a raccoon makes a C shape. On the rear foot the raccoon's heel will often make an imprint that gives the track a long, tapered oval appearance.

Tiny toes

Beyond these larger animals, let's not forget the wee folk roaming in abundance, the rodents. Although these tracks are often overlooked, they are an excellent way to learn the diversity of species in a neighborhood. Rodent tracks differ from other animals: The front foot shows four toes while the rear feet imprint five. Claws are often seen as well.

With very little information, it is possible to begin to read the story of the land. The art of tracking is as old as man himself. If our ancestors had not been able to learn this skill and understand the language of the earth, your family and mine might not be here today.