Three members from the Peterborough Field Naturalists (PFN) went tracking on the John de Pencier trail at the Trent University Nature Area. Wildlife species identified by tracks or sign included Ruffed Grouse, Eastern Cottontail, Porcupine, Snowshoe Hare, Shrew sp, Raccoon, Coyote and Red Squirrel. Observing tracks of several Eastern Cottontails was an improvement over the winter of 2016 when they were absent from most of the Trent University Nature Area. Porcupines had dens under the boardwalk, as in previous years. The most interesting observation was a chase scene involving a Coyote hunting an Eastern Cottontail. Strides of 8 feet between track sets were observed for the Rabbit, evidence of a high rate of speed as it attempted to escape. We did not find evidence of a kill. Birds identified: Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch and American Robin.
(Photographed February 3, 2017 at Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada)