Wild animals can be difficult to detect because of their instinctive behavior to avoid humans.
However, the presence of wild animals often can be determined by their tacks in snow, sand, or soft mud. Indians and pioneers learned to read wildlife tracks with remarkable skill for hunting purposes. The art of tracking also allows wildlife biologists to identify habitats in which animals live and to conduct population surveys. Animal tracks can be found in a variety of places. Some tracks may be as close as your own backyard, while others may require an extensive search.