Downers Grove Park District Lyman Woods: Who's Been Here?

This is the popular question asked these days as animal tracks are so easily observed in the recent snows here at Lyman Woods. For instance, what mammal track shows 4 front toes and 5 hind toes on each foot? Well, from this information we could assume it may be a mouse, a squirrel, or a beaver. To zero in on exactly what it is, you need to look at other clues, just like a good detective would. The length of the tracks, their location, and if the animal is common to the area are just a few things to consider. If this particular track originated or stopped at a tree, and it was between 1-2 inches long it can be safely assumed that it was made by a tree squirrel, in this case a gray squirrel that is so common here at Lyman Woods.

If you are one for a good story, a good place to find one is in the freshly fallen snow, or on a muddy trail. What do you think has happened when you see the tracks of a hopping rabbit suddenly stop as if it disappeared? Then you notice what looks like the imprint of a giant wing brushing against the snow? It seems the rabbit may have met its demise by way of a hungry Great Horned Owl. Many scenarios like this are played out here in the preserve.

If curiosity has gotten the best of you and you want to search out some of these stories, come join us at our next Goodnight Twilight Hike for families on February 8^th, 6:30-8:00 pm. The theme for that evening will be Winter Tracking. Click here to register online! And don't forget that whenever we have at least 4 inches of snow on the trails, snowshoes are available for rent at the Interpretive Center so you can head out for winter tracking on your own!

In the meantime, can you name the animals that left these tracks?