Join MDC to learn how to identify animal tracks at the Kirksville office

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Whatever you do in the outdoors, wildlife is all around. Even if you never see animals, a closer look on the ground shows they were there. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to discover nature and learn more about identifying animal tracks from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Northeast Regional Office, 3500 S. Baltimore in Kirksville.

All ages are welcome to attend, but children must be accompanied by an adult. There is no registration required for this free family event.

MDC staff will demonstrate how to recognize some common animal tracks and participants will make a track mold to take home. Additionally, all will be able to put their new sleuthing skills to the test and practice animal track identification on a nature walk.

"We may not always get to see wildlife when we take a nature hike, but we often see the tracks they leave behind," said MDC Naturalist Amanda Moore. "Illustrations can help a person distinguish tracks in the field, but reading mammal tracks is a skill that improves with practice."

For questions about this event, contact Moore at 660-785-2420.

For information about other events happening in the Northeast region, visit mdc.mo.gov/regions/northeast.