Signs Interpretive Guides Miss On Wilderness Trails?

Visual Cues of Animal Tracks

Animal tracks are a valuable source of information for wilderness guides. While many guides focus on larger tracks, such as those left by deer or elk, they often miss the smaller tracks of smaller animals like rodents or birds. These smaller tracks can provide insight into the presence of potential food sources and the types of animals that have recently passed through the area. Guides should look for tracks that are less than an inch in diameter, as these are often indicative of smaller animals. For example, a guide might look for the tiny tracks of a mouse or vole, which can indicate the presence of a food source.

Reading Vegetation Patterns

Guides often overlook the subtle patterns of vegetation that can indicate the trail’s history and potential hazards. For example, a sudden change in vegetation density or a cluster of dead plants can indicate the presence of a recent fire or a natural gas leak. Guides should be trained to recognize these patterns, as well as the types of plants that are commonly associated with hazards such as landslides or floods. For example, a guide might look for the presence of cottonwood or willow trees, which are often associated with areas of high flood risk.

Observing Unusual Scat

Scat, or animal feces, is another valuable source of information for wilderness guides. While many guides focus on the presence of scat, they often miss the subtle patterns and colors that can indicate the type of animal and its behavior. Guides should be trained to recognize the different types of scat, as well as the colors and textures that are commonly associated with different animals. For example, a guide might look for the dark, tar-like scat of a bear, which can indicate the presence of a recent bear encounter.