There is something quite magical about finding fresh footprints in the snow, especially when they are made by one of our native wild mammals. More...
Discovering the routes taken to search for food or reach their dens gives us a glimpse into their daily lives, albeit fleetingly, as the snow soon melts away, and any signs disappear. Much as any intrepid explorer would, I got thoroughly togged up and ventured off into the wild landscape of Markfield after Storm Goretti caused an unusually high snowfall in parts of the Midlands and traipsed across the deep and not so even snow in search of prints. My first discoveries were the numerous footprints of humans accompanied by their canine friends in all shapes and sizes. Even amongst these, on the grass verges, were the tell-tale signs of a Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes.
I then went off-piste and into the lesser well trodden footpaths at the edges of woodland and fields where virgin snow was still present. These are always the best places for rich pickings - quiet and where mammals are relatively undisturbed. I got my reward fairly quickly with tell-tale Rabbit, Oryctolatus cuniculus, prints tracking across the field. Identified by their size and gait, the rabbits hop off the ground using their hind legs and land on their front paws creating a paired trail.
Heavier mammals tend to leave deeper prints in the snow and so are sometimes easier to find. This hoof print is taken from a Roe Deer, Capreolus capreolus, and is one of a series of prints seen as it walked along a woodland path. The Roe Deer hoofs measure around 6.5 cm wide and have the classic cloven hoof shape with the cleaves (nails) sometimes splaying out as their foot lands on the ground or they run. They are very secretive animals and are easily spooked so finding this print to confirm their presence was a real bonus to an enjoyable walk. Hopefully we will get some more snow falls in the coming months and you will be able to try and find mammals living in your area too. Enjoy the experience, it's very addictive!
Helen O Brien (all photos)
Trustee of NatureSpot & County Mammal Recorder