This is a new four-part on-line course that will focus on identifying tracks in snow and other signs left by the animals of Gatineau Park. Topics to be covered will include:
The most important part of learning about animal tracking is to get outside and practice! For that reason, the FGP are also hosting free monthly tracking get-togethers (dates to be announced soon). Course participants are strongly encouraged to participate in at least two of these sessions.
- The various ways animals move, and how these different gaits are registered in tracks.
- Using track details and gait to identify which mammal (and some bird) tracks in the winter.
- How you can use your tracking skills to participate in citizen science initiatives such as the Friends of Gatineau Park’s Animal Tracks Inventory.
- How you can continue to develop your skills as a naturalist and tracker, including the possibility of taking part in a Cybertracker certification (https://www.friendsofgatineaupark.com/cybertracker-certification.html).
The most important part of learning about animal tracking is to get outside and practice! For that reason, the FGP are also hosting free monthly tracking get-togethers (dates to be announced soon). Course participants are strongly encouraged to participate in at least two of these sessions.
Course instructors:
Sébastien Pannier: Sébastian is an experienced nature communicator who has designed and led many animal tracking workshops with participants of all ages. He has also earned a Level II Cybertracker Track and Sign certificate for Gatineau Park.
Carolyn Cahill: Carolyn has participated in several citizen science initiatives with the FGP and other organizations, and along with Sébastien, is also coordinating the Friends of Gatineau Park’s Animal Track Inventory, which is conducted in collaboration with the NCC. She has been tracking for 19 years and has earned a Level III Cybertracker Track and Sign certificate for Gatineau Park.
Sébastien Pannier: Sébastian is an experienced nature communicator who has designed and led many animal tracking workshops with participants of all ages. He has also earned a Level II Cybertracker Track and Sign certificate for Gatineau Park.
Carolyn Cahill: Carolyn has participated in several citizen science initiatives with the FGP and other organizations, and along with Sébastien, is also coordinating the Friends of Gatineau Park’s Animal Track Inventory, which is conducted in collaboration with the NCC. She has been tracking for 19 years and has earned a Level III Cybertracker Track and Sign certificate for Gatineau Park.
Is this for me?
Resources: We highly recommend that you have access to at least one up to date mammal tracking reference book during this course.
A list of potential books will be provided to everyone who registers, and we will also suggest alternative websites and apps.
In the meantime, here are the two of the most commonly used references:
Cost: $80 for the four-course series. If you register as a volunteer for the Friends of Gatineau Park’s Animal Track Inventory and attend the mandatory training on January 17 2026 this new year’s course is FREE.
- You’re interested in animal tracks and are ready to do a few short tracking exercises on your own
- You’re willing to have at your disposal at least one tracking reference book (see below)
- You’re at least 16 years old.
Resources: We highly recommend that you have access to at least one up to date mammal tracking reference book during this course.
A list of potential books will be provided to everyone who registers, and we will also suggest alternative websites and apps.
In the meantime, here are the two of the most commonly used references:
- Most comprehensive: Mammal Tracks and Sign, 2nd edition, Mark Elbroch (approximately $70 new)
- French version, with a focus on Quebec species: Traces d’animaux au Québec. Mark Elbroch (approximately $30 new)
Cost: $80 for the four-course series. If you register as a volunteer for the Friends of Gatineau Park’s Animal Track Inventory and attend the mandatory training on January 17 2026 this new year’s course is FREE.