This month, we are starting a new feature in the Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project Newsletter--the "Natural Mystery." Each month we will offer a photograph of something from nature and challenge you to identify it. We will select one correct entry to receive a small prize and get posted online. In addition to giving a correct identification, answers will be evaluated on thoroughness, clarity, and the accuracy of supporting facts.

Our first Natural Mystery is a photograph taken at Crex Meadows near Grantsburg, WI. These tracks were at the base of (and facing) a steep snowbank along the side of a road. The questions are "Who?" and "What was it doing?" A complete answer will identify the animal to species, describe how the animal was moving and why it was moving that way when it made these track, explain how you arrived at that answer and explain how you eliminated other candidates and possibilities (it is, after all, a raccoon until proven otherwise). This is an extremely challenging track to interpret--but there is no penalty for a wrong answer! Have fun and take a stab at it.

To download the photo or view it larger size, right click the image below.
Answers are due by December 31.

Have a photo that you think would make a good Natural Mystery? Please email it to <poppele@umn.edu>