MassWildlife: Discover animal tracks

Wild animals are experts at staying out of sight. Yet the winter snow and mud can reveal a detailed account of the comings and goings of even the most secretive animals. Whether you're wandering secluded forests and fields or taking a walk in your suburban neighborhood, watch for tracks to learn about wildlife in the area.

As with birdwatching, tree identification, or any other area of nature study, learning to identify tracks takes some practice. Start by getting familiar with common animal tracks. Use MassWildlife's animal track card as a guide to tracks you may encounter here in Massachusetts.

Identifying animal tracks is much easier if the conditions are right. Tracks left in snow that has partially melted can become distorted and are difficult to decipher. Loose or dry snow can also be a problem since it doesn't hold track details. Look for tracks in fresh snow that's not too deep or in mud for the most accurate print.

In addition to the tracks themselves, pay attention to the pattern of tracks on the ground. For example, deer, bobcats, house cats, and canines (dogs, coyotes, foxes) place their hind foot into—or nearly into—the track left by their foot to form a diagonal pattern and a narrow trail. Rabbits and gray squirrels gallop or hop, while members of the weasel family (otter, fisher, and mink) bound. Learning about distinctive track patterns (which you can find on the track card) can help with identification and help you gain a deeper understanding of the lives of these animals.  

You can use tracks along with other clues like bits of fur, scat, or signs of digging to get more information about what the animal was going. Watching for tracks and other evidence of wildlife activity can add some fun and a little bit of mystery to your next winter walk. Use the links below to find more ways to enjoy the outdoors this winter:

• 5 must-read tips for winter birdwatching
  Winter can be a great time to view common backyard birds as well as unusual birds overwintering here in Massachusetts.
• Learn where to look for bald eagles
  Bald eagles are active in winter with courtship and nest building. Get tips for where to find them and how to observe without disturbing the eagles.
• Explore a Wildlife Management Area near you
  MassWildlife manages over 235,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas that provide habitat for wildlife and give people a place to explore natural landscapes (there are no maintained trails). WMAs are open to the public for hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing.

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.