moderate
4–6 hours
Participants should have moderate fitness to navigate uneven terrain and spend extended time outdoors walking and kneeling.
Learn to read wildlife tracks and signs with the GYE Tracker Certification in Idaho’s Island Park. This immersive experience sharpens your tracking skills and deepens your bond with nature.
With Casey McFarland
Discover the hidden world of wildlife through Track & Sign Evaluations, where you'll learn to identify and interpret animal tracks and signs. This unique experience enhances your ecological skills, connects you to nature, and fosters a supportive community for both beginners and seasoned naturalists. Uncover the secrets of your landscape!
Learn to recognize tracks of mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates on your landscape, and to interpret animal movement and behavior. This explorative practice reveals a hidden world of wildlife sign, and develops the ability to find subtle evidence of animal presence. In short, this skill set facilitates knowledge on a remarkable variety of life in an ecosystem.
WHY A TRACK & SIGN EVALUATION? Whether you are a wildlife researcher, educator, conservation advocate, or an amateur naturalist, the CyberTracker system provides a rigorous standard for training, evaluating, and certifying wildlife trackers. Designed for beginners and professionals alike, Track & Sign Evaluations improve the credibility of field observations, strengthen ecological field skills, and leave participants feeling more connected to the landscapes in which they live. THE BENEFITS • Accurately identify and interpret a broad variety of track & sign • Locate subtle evIdence ot animal presence and behavior •Effectively communicate key features of track & sign • Immerse in a supportive learning community
Island Park terrain can be uneven and damp; solid footwear helps protect your feet and improves traction.
Document tracks and signs you discover for later study and discussion during the certification.
Move slowly and quietly to avoid disturbing wildlife and increase your chances of observation.
Mosquitoes and ticks can be active, especially in warmer months; protect yourself accordingly.
Island Park lies within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, a critical wildlife corridor with deep ecological significance and indigenous heritage.
Efforts focus on preserving wildlife habitats and minimizing human impact through responsible tourism and educational programs like the GYE Tracker Certification.
Provides support and protection on uneven and sometimes wet ground.
Helps you record tracks and field notes regardless of weather conditions.
Keeps mosquitoes and ticks at bay during warmer months.
spring specific
Prepares you for variable weather and helps regulate body temperature.
fall specific