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Reading the signs - finding signs of life in the Pyrenees Mountains

There is something very satisfying about finding animal tracks and signs, and winter is a great time to do this. Firstly, the ground is covered in snow, which is the perfect medium for tracks; and secondly, many animals do not hibernate so they have to forage for food, often at lower altitudes.

So, how do you start? Getting out in wintertime often requires some adaptation on our part such as skis or snowshoes. The later are good as they allow you to move around easily. Incidentally, animals often do the same thing by growing additional hair between their pads to create a larger surface area on the snow. Foxes will often use the same foot penetration in the snow to conserve energy, something the domestic dog hasn’t learned.

A field guide will be useful, as would a camera to take pictures that can be studied later. A small tape measure will allow you to measure prints and the distance between them; a good clue in determining what animal left the mark.

As well as identifying the actual footprint, the way the animal moves is also of interest. Tracks that scurry from cover to cover are likely to be a mouse or vole. The mountain hare will sometimes backtrack and then jump sideways as if trying to confuse any predator following its trail. Male foxes will often urinate or defecate on prominent features such as a rock to claim territory, and females will do so when in season. Finding urination between the footprints will be a female and off to one side, will be a male.

Animals that feed in winter will leave all sorts of interesting signs. A nibbled pinecone will be a mouse. These are often found hidden, which is where mice like to eat. A squirrel will obtain a vantage point such as a tree stump in order to keep guard. His larger teeth will gnaw out the scales and an end will be left intact which is where he held it. Deer lack any upper incisors, so they tear tree bark from the bottom upwards often leaving a frayed edge at the top. In winter, the bark is tighter and they gnaw rather than tear, seldom ringing the tree as if knowing that their food supply would die.

If you find pine cones wedged into the bark of a tree, it’s likely to be a bird such as a woodpecker who cleverly uses the tree as its vice. Cones with their scales forced outwards from their axis and found under trees, are likely to have been dropped by a crossbill as it feeds on the calorie-rich conifer seeds – about 35% fat. Young chicks arrive at the same time as cones mature and the seeds are their only source of food.

Cloven-hoofed animals can provide somewhat more of a challenge, especially if you are determined to separate the mouflon from the domestic sheep, and to name individual types of deer. The chamois treads only on the edge of its hoof, which is composed of a hardwearing rubbery material.  Its great climbing ability comes from the flexibility in the two digits, and this can often be seen in the snow.

Finding animal tracks and signs can be great fun, especially with children. It also appeals to those with a detective streak in them, and it will add to any walk in the country or mountainside. Who knows, you could become the next Ray Mears.

Kevin Albin

I spent 25 exciting years in the police service in the UK but have always been active in the outdoors. It was a natural choice to have a second career working as an outdoor instructor, and guiding in the mountains and on expeditions.

I hold the Summer, Winter, and International Mountain Leader Awards and I am a member of the British Association of International Mountain Leaders (BAIML). This association ensures that its members are qualified and up to date in their knowledge and experience.

I believe that life is about experiences, both those we have and those we impart on others. Travelling in the mountains or other environments is a great way to have new experiences and to encounter new people. I also have a passion for nature, which never ceases to amaze me in its beauty, complexity and balance. So, I'm very much in the ideal job!

Holidays in the Pyrenees Mountains

Kevin runs Let Loose with Adventure, and organises walking and snowshoeing holidays in the spectacular Pyrenees Mountains.  Have a look at the Let Loose with Adventure webpage for more information.

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