Thinking About Nearby Wildlife 

“What could it mean if we spot moose and wolf tracks in the same area?” asked Helen Strackeljahn of the National Wildlife Refuge System during her visit to Camp Fire Alaska. Briefly, the room full of Camp Fire Alaska youth quietly pondered the question. Then, their imaginations sparked, and their hands sprung into the air. After being pointed to, one youth said, “Ooh, maybe, maybe there is a bunch of wolves chasing a moose?” 

“That could be,” responded Helen. “And if we see red nearby, that could mean the wolves — which hunt in groups called packs — hurt the moose, huh?” Immediately, the youth’s eyes widened in realization. This subtle moment of curiosity, ponderance, and comprehension highlights the importance of this visit from the National Wildlife Refuge System. 

To provide quality environmental education and address animal conservation challenges, the National Wildlife Refuge System, a program operating within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, offers instructive opportunities for youth. In this visit, the subject was Alaskan animal tracks, so youth can recognize and assess nearby wildlife danger. You can learn more about the National Wildlife Refuge System and their mission by visiting this link. 

Understanding Different Footprints

In another activity, Helen’s partner Kristopher “Kris” Pacheco, Public Affairs-Digital Media Assistant of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, asked for two volunteers. To the first, he said, “I want you to walk to the middle of the room,” and to the other he said, “I want you to run to the middle of the room.” The young volunteers nodded their understanding, doing as instructed. After they reached the room’s center, Kris spread his arms and turned his attention to the remaining youth. He asked, “If we were looking at their footprints, what would the main difference be?” 

Unsure, but engaged, youth raised their hands, curious to discover if they had the right answer. One said, “Their shoes are different sizes.” Another, “The bottom of their shoes are different.” Both were fair observations, but they were not the one he was looking for.  Then, finally, one said, “The space between their footprints is different — one is wide, and the other is closer together.” 

“Very good!” said Kris with a smile. “Their gaits, or the way they are moving, are different and leave behind a distinct pattern.” Kris went on, also explaining the depth of a track indicates the weight of an animal. That is, large, heavy animals leave behind deeper tracks than small, light animals. 

Making Animal Track Impressions

Next, came the main event, what the children were most excited for: making impressions of animal tracks with plaster! To start, Helen and Kris asked students what animal they wanted to make their impression of. Options included fox, hare, wolf, and otter tracks. Along with the options, they also shared facts about each animal, such as their natural habitats, food supply, and behaviors. With their animal paw molds chosen, the kids were given plates with dollops of plaster. To make the impressions, youth pressed the molds into the plaster and waited patiently for them to harden, about five minutes. Once solid, they could remove the mold, leaving behind the imprint. 

Following the impression making, it was story time and Helen read the book, Whose Track is That? Youth were encouraged to guess the animal tracks, surprised and delighted whenever guessing correctly. They learned to identify different tracks by spotting key differences in their shapes and overall appearance. After the story, the kids were excited, their senses of science and discovery activated! 

Developing Lifesaving Skills

Living in Alaska means cohabitating with nature and wildlife. To achieve this, Alaskans practice outdoor safety and environmental awareness daily. For Alaskans — but especially for Alaska’s youth — identifying animal tracks can be lifesaving. For several reasons, identifying animal tracks is a relevant, necessary, life preserving critical thinking skill. It challenges individuals to remain present and encourages using observational skills to identify nearby animals and assess potential dangers. Thanks to the National Wildlife Refuge System that’s a skill Camp Fire Alaska’s youth now possess!

In other news, be sure to check out Camp Fire Alaska’s 2024’s Rewind, where we share some of last year’s biggest moments!