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.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.