Ventura Tracker Certification 11/10/2019

On November 9 & 10, I conducted a Track and Sign Certification for the Ventura County Wildlife Trackers in Southern California.

We saw the tracks of 32 species, including 20 mammals, 8 birds, 2 herps, and 2 invertebrates. We spent the first day at an amazing bridge in the Los Padres National Forest. We saw tracks of voles, chipmunks, bobcats, gray foxes, spotted sandpipers and more. Day 2 was spent under HWY 101 at an enormous bridge over the Santa Clara river. Among many great tracks, we found a beautiful set of great horned owl tracks. See the photos below.

This group contained several really experienced trackers. Big congratulations to Jim Carretta, Ann Hunkins, and Kurt Zias for earning a Level 4 certificate! This is the highest score one can achieve on a standard Track & Sign Certification and these individuals are well on the road toward earning Specialist.

A big thanks to Wyatt Harris for organizing this certification. I also want to thank Erica Harris, Debbie Parisi, and Ellie Bolas for assisting. This is a great group of trackers and I enjoy seeing them improve each year.