STORY BY KATHY ANDREWS

Many animals are secretive, active only under the protective cover of night or when there is no threat from potential predators. Thus, the opportunity to see some of these creatures is rare, with the only clue to their presence being the evidence they leave behind—food stores, gnawed bark and branches, mounds of dirt, holes in trees and beds in the grass. And, one of the most reliable signs, their tracks.

Look for tracks in snow, mud, dust and sand. A thin layer of wet snow shows the best tracks, but as the snow ages, the edges of the track will soften. Tracks are nearly impossible to identify if the snow is hard, crusty or wet, or if strong winds are blowing, filling the tracks in or softening their edges.

Soft mud is an excellent medium for tracks. Mud seldom covers a large area, but it may not last long. Great detail can be seen in the fine grain of dust, rarely extensive in size, but locating sufficient tracks for identification is difficult. The greatest detail of tracks in sand occurs when it is wet. Since sand is usually found along the shores of rivers and lakes, the long, linear nature of such areas allows many tracks to register.

A track is a single imprint. A track pattern is a series of tracks, allowing study of the speed of travel and sequence of steps. Also useful to note for proper identification are the stride, or distance between two tracks, and the straddle, or width of the pattern.

How do you identify a track? Carry a field guide, small notebook and a ruler with you in the field to sketch and record key characteristics of your sightings. Note the habitat where prints are found, and consider the types of animals that reside in these areas. The speed at which an animal is moving can be determined by the track pattern. Typical descriptors of track patterns are bounding, galloping, hopping, running or trotting. Measure the length and width of the print, count the number of toes, and note whether or not claw marks are visible.

Deer have two toes; rabbits, cats, foxes and coyotes have four. Animals leaving prints containing five toes include the weasel, mink, skunk, otter, raccoon, opossum, muskrat and beaver. If the track pattern shows tracks with five toes on the back foot and four on the front, it was left by a mouse, vole, shrew, chipmunk, squirrel or woodchuck. Not only do mammals leave tracks, but birds, frogs, toads, snakes and insects can be identified by their tracks.

Does the track indicate a heel mark? How far apart are the toe prints? Are the tracks alternate or parallel? Follow the trail for some distance for additional clues to help with your identification. Do the tracks lead to an underground burrow? Do the tracks end at

(Left) A coyote track remained after high water receded at Lake Shelbyville in Shelby County. Coyote Photo by Mike Greer, Chicago Zoological Society; track photo by Kathy Andrews. (Below) The slanted big toe print provides rapid identification. A opossum traipsed through the area, most likely during its nighttime feeding foray. Photos by Adele Hodde.

the base of a tree, indicating the animal left the ground? Do the tracks lead into the water?

Some of the most visible tracks in the field are left by the white-tailed deer, coyote, raccoon, Canada goose and wild turkey.

The white-tailed deer lives in woodlands, open areas and along the edges of two habitats. Their heart-shaped, pointed tracks fall in an alternate pattern, with the prints of the back feet falling in front of the front prints. If the ground surface is soft, dew claw (the vestigial first and fourth toes) prints may register as a smaller set of round marks. Deer tracks are 2 to 3.5 inches long.

Coyotes commonly are found in grasslands and woodlands where they hunt for small rodents. The coyote leaves a 2.5- to 3-inch oval track that includes claw marks on the center two toes. When walking, coyotes leave a trail of prints 8 to 16 inches apart, as compared with 2.5 to 10 feet apart when trotting. A coyote trail has an alternate track pattern. If tracking a coyote in heavy snow, you may see a dragline left by its tail.

Raccoons are common throughout Illinois, residing in nearly all habitats, including cities. Their tracks are most often found along the banks of rivers, streams, lakes and ponds and are among the easiest to identify because they look much like a human hand print. The front feet prints are 2 to 3 inches long, with the hind prints approximately one-half inch longer. Claw marks are visible on all five toes, of both the front and back feet. The front feet leave tracks in their entirety, while the back feet do not leave heel prints.

The Canada goose is a familiar sight around large bodies of water and is one of the most common species of waterfowl nesting in Illinois. The prints of a goose are 4 to 5 inches in length and are 5 to 7 inches apart when the goose is walking. These huge, webbed prints, left along the muddy bank of a lake or pond, often show the imprints of three toes, but the webbing may not be imprinted. The goose's feet are pointed inward when walking and leave a pigeon-toed imprint.

Illinois' largest game bird is the wild turkey. Over the past three decades, populations of this bird have exploded, and it is now found in woodlands and agricultural fields throughout most of the state. As a ground bird, turkeys leave a set of "walking" tracks, compared with the "hopping" pattern left by a perching bird. Turkey tracks show three long toes, with the longer middle toe 2.5 to 4.5 inches long. Having keen eyesight, the wild turkey takes off on a run up to 18 miles per hour, leaving a trail of tracks with 4-foot-long strides.

Since tracks age and fade with time, capture the moment. Venture out when the weather provides the greatest chance for tracks to be left. An early morning outing may bring the greatest rewards for learning about critters that were active the previous night. To find the best tracks, check sheltered areas protected from wind, sun and rain.

Above all else, when in the field, move quietly and keep your eyes open and ears cocked for animal sounds. If you're lucky, you just may trail the animal to within eyesight!

42 Illinois Parks and Recreation

Big trees are among the most fascinating attractions of the natural world. They have survived lightning strikes, storms, droughts, fires and floods. Their great age and large size seem to mesmerize people, causing them to wonder about events during the lives of these trees.

It is easy to see why searching for big trees is a hobby of some individuals. One such person is Larry Mahan of rural Palmyra in Macoupin County. He is always hoping the next field trip will lead to the discovery of another state champion. Mahan currently has 15 trees on the Illinois Big Tree List.

None of his records compares to the sycamore he located in southern Christian County in 1998. At 119 feet high, 31 feet in circumference and with an average crown spread of nearly 134 feet, it not only is Illinois' champion sycamore, but also the largest tree in the state.

When visitors first see this champion, they think there are two trees growing next to each other. Owner Ernie Williams is quick to challenge this thought. What looks like two trees is actually two huge branches from a trunk that has now almost disappeared. Silt deposited by annual flood waters of a nearby creek has covered the trunk up to its fork.

About two feet of the trunk was still above the soil only five years ago, but according to the former owner of the property, the fork was six to eight feet above the soil 25 years ago!

Fortunately, sycamores are tolerant of silt deposition. Big sycamores often show signs of age and are commonly missing big limbs due to ice storm damage. The trunks usually are hollow, and chimney swifts, purple martins and bats use the cavities for nesting or roosting.

This sycamore is not hollow, and there are no signs of disease. In fact, it is growing vigorously due to good soil and abundant moisture. The small valley of the stream even provides some protection from wind.

The great size of this tree also ensured its survival. Loggers wanted to cut it down in 1883, but they had to give up. It seems that no one could find a saw big enough to cut through the massive trunk.

Barring a catastrophic storm, this sycamore should reign as the largest tree in Illinois for many more decades. It seems unlikely that another tree will displace it. Recent measurements indicate that it has grown an additional foot in circumference since it was measured in 1998.

WILLIAM MCCLAIN
is the Natural Areas Stewardship Program manager in DNR's Division of Natural Heritage.

September/October 2002 43

Illinois takes steps to protect deer herd

The Department of Natural Resources has filed an emergency rule to limit the importation of hunter-harvested deer and elk, to restrict the importation of live animals and to ban the feeding of wild deer in an attempt to prevent chronic wasting disease from reaching Illinois.

"Animals with chronic wasting disease have been found within 40 miles of Illinois' northern border," said IDNR Director Brent Manning. "CWD is a fatal neurological disease, which strikes deer and elk. There is no vaccine to prevent it, and it is incurable once an animal contracts it. We must continue to do all we can here in Illinois to keep it from infecting our herd."

The disease affects the brains of infected animals, causing the animals to become emaciated, display abnormal behavior, lose coordination and eventually die. It is not known to be contagious to livestock or humans. To date, no animals from Illinois have tested positive for CWD, but surveillance efforts for the disease have been expanded.

The emergency rule (17 Ill. Adm. Code 635) takes effect immediately and will be in effect for 150 days while a permanent rule is being adopted. It bans the importation of hunter-harvested deer and elk carcases into Illinois, except for deboned meat, antlers, antlers attached to skull caps, hides, upper canine teeth and finished taxidermist mounts. Skull caps must be cleaned of all brain and muscle tissue.

"This step will prevent hunters from bringing potentially diseased animals into Illinois and discarding their parts in a manner that could result in contamination of Illinois' deer herd," Manning said. He noted that CWD is most concentrated in portions of the infected animals that typically are not consumed by humans, such as the brain and spinal cord.

IDNR also is banning the feeding of wild deer and other wildlife in areas where wild deer are present. The ban includes food, salt, mineral blocks and other food products, with some exceptions. For example, bird and squirrel feeders close to homes and incidental feeding of wildlife within active livestock operations are exempt from the ban. For a complete list of the exemptions, visit the Department's Web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/legal/rule-status.htm.

"We know that people enjoy feeding birds and squirrels, and we aren't trying to impact homeowners and their individual feeders. Nor are we trying to impact active livestock operations," Manning said. "However, the fact is that bait sites where deer congregate have the potential to contribute to the spread of various diseases that are transmitted by animal-to-animal contact, as CWD appears to be. Eliminating this practice will enhance our chances of controlling CWD in the event it enters Illinois and also will lessen the spread of other diseases among the deer herd."

IDNR also is implementing regulations to minimize the threat of chronic wasting disease entering the state through the interstate transportation of captive deer and elk and to monitor captive herds already in Illinois. IDNR shares responsibility with the Department of Agriculture in regulating captive deer and elk on game farms. IDNR's new rule complements new regulations being adopted by the agriculture department for diseased animals. Currently, an emergency rule banning the importation of captive deer and elk into Illinois is in place, but it expires Sept. 15, 2002.

CWD has been diagnosed in wild, free-ranging deer and elk, as well as in captive animals in a number of western states, and recently was found in neighboring Wisconsin. Illinois has been testing suspect animals for the last five years, as well as taking samples during deer hunting season.

"The consequences of a chronic wasting disease outbreak in Illinois are potentially great," said Manning, who noted deer hunting in Illinois contributes an estimated $400 million to the state's economy.

"We will continue to work with the Illinois Department of Agriculture on this matter for the health of the deer herds, as well as its impact on the economy of this state," he said.

ICF grants awarded

The Illinois Conservation Foundation has awarded 32 grants totaling more than $75,000 for environmental enhancement, natural resources preservation and education programs.

"Organizations receiving these grants are involved in a wide array of efforts to enhance wildlife habitat, natural areas and environmental education for Illinoisans," said Brent Manning, chairman of the ICF and Director of the IDNR.

"From butterfly gardens on urban school grounds, to outdoor programs for children with disabilities, to research on improving fish populations, the Foundation is delighted to support these worthwhile projects," he said.

A full listing of funded projects can be found at http://www.ilcf.org/PressReleases.htm.

Grant information and applications are available from the Illinois Conservation Foundation, 100W Randolph, Suite 4-300, Chicago, IL 60601, phone 312.814.7237, or visit the ICF Web site at www.ilcf.org.

The Foundation, an IRS 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation established in 1995, has raised more than $ 14.2 million to support the

44 linois Parks and Recreation

programs of the IDNR. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

IDNR has a new address

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources in Springfield has moved to its new facility at the northwest corner of the Illinois State Fairgrounds (see photo at right). Under construction since May 15, 1999, the headquarters consolidates offices and staff previously scattered at seven locations in Springfield.

Says Director Brent Manning in the September Outdoorlllinois magazine: "The 200,000 square-foot building was designed to reflect the mission of the Department—to provide leadership to manage, protect and sustain Illinois' natural resources; offer resource-compatible recreational opportunities; and promote natural resource-related public safety, education and science. The blending of stone, wood and water in the construction reaffirms that our precious natural resources are the foundation of our great state.

"The glass building provides employees and visitors with a scenic vista of Conservation World and breaks down the conventional barriers of solid wall construction.

"More than 85 percent of the structure is lit by natural light from the glass curtain, skylights and atrium. Environmental design considerations included selection of high-efficiency glass, allowing for a reduction in mechanical equipment and decreasing the fuel consumption found with glass buildings. The roof is a light gray/silver color which reflects sunlight, further reducing the amount of energy needed to cool the building.

"Additional 'green' considerations built into the headquarters' design were the use of low volatile organic compound paint products, carpets and adhesives and purchase of office workstations from a business concerned about how its practices affect the environment. Recycled product content weighed heavily in the selection of chairs and carpets. Bicycle storage lockers will be provided, promoting the use of alternate forms of transportation for employees.

"Surrounding the building to the east and west is a body of water that will be stocked with bass and bluegill and open to the public for catch and release fishing. The heritage of Illinois, the prairie state,' will be commemorated through native prairie grasses blanketing the lake shore."

Mail should be addressed to: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271. The main telephone number 217.782.6302 remains unchanged, as do all other telephone numbers for departments and IDNR employees.

Fink Memorial Fund award announced

Charles Walker of Carbondale is the 2002 recipient of the Todd Fink Memorial award, according to John Schmitt, executive director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation.

Walker, a graduate student in the Department of Plant Biology at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, will receive a $500 stipend from the Foundation for travel costs associated with research and registration costs.

Walker is working on a study to examine the attributes of endangered plants of southern Illinois and to determine factors that cause them to be so rare.

The fund was established to honor Todd Fink, a highly regarded biologist and ornithologist with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, who died in 1995 at the age of 36. The award goes to recipients whose graduate research at SIU-C focuses on threatened or endangered species of plants or animals.

September/October 2002 45

Furbearing records

The number of fur bearing animal pelts sold by Illinois hunters and trappers during the 2001-2002 season increased 85 percent to 217,088. The total value of pelts sold increased 115 percent to more than $1.4 million. Raccoon and muskrat pelts accounted for 91 percent of the harvest and its value. Spurred by increased demand in Russia and elsewhere in eastern Europe, the average value of raccoon pelts increased to $7.55 in 2001-2002 from $6.30 in 2000-2001 and $4.90 in 1999-2000. Illinois trappers and hunters harvested 165,375 raccoons in 2001-2002 compared with 86,673 raccoons in 2000-2001. Illinois law requires licensed fur buyers to maintain records and report fur purchases to the IDNR.

Nature Preserves report released

The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission Biennial Report (1999-2000) has recently been completed and is available to the public. During that two-year period, 42 areas—16 nature preserves and 26 registered land and water reserves—were added to the nature preserve system. This brings the number of dedicated nature preserves to 296, totaling more than 39,000 acres, and the total registered land and water reserves to 52, totaling more than 19,800 acres. For more information about the nature preserves of Illinois, contact the commission at (217) 785-8686. •

Landowners guide available

An updated Landowners Guide to Natural Resources Management Incentives is now on the web and can be found at: http://dnr.state.il.us/OREP/C2000/Incentives.htm. There is a link to the document on both C2000 and Conservation Congress web pages on the IDNR Web site: http://dnr.state.il.us.

Endangered species list available

The 2002 Endangered and Threatened Species of Illinois: Status and Distribution Book, Volume 1 - Plants is available from IDNRs Clearinghouse (clearing@dnrmail.state.il.us). For additional information, contact the Endangered Species Protection Board at One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, or phone (217) 785-8687.

Disabled hunters shoot

Forty disabled hunters can hunt deer and turkey at Rock Cut State Park from Nov. 14-16 and Dec. 12-14. Applications and details can be obtained by calling the park at (815) 885-3311, or writing Rock Cut State Park, 7318 Harlem Road, Loves Park, IL 61111. Applications must be returned by Oct. 18 to be eligible for the drawing. Applicants must have a class P2A disability card, a valid FOID card, a 2002 Habitat Stamp (if required) and proof of passing a hunter safety education course. Disabled hunters may be accompanied by a non-disabled partner, or one can be provided upon request.

46 Illinois Parks and Recreation