Branch Out Event: Wildlife Track & Sign on Lake Fontana

In this workshop you’ll discover and learn how to recognize the unique tracks and signs left by local wildlife. You’ll learn to read and interpret the hidden clues left in the mud as we explore this astoundingly beautiful portion of the Park on the shore of Lake Fontana. We’ll begin by taking a short 1 mile hike from Lakeview Drive down Noland Creek Trail, pausing often to inspect the creek banks, trees, and trail for any signs of wildlife such as scat, foraging sign, nests, and burrows. By considering these signs carefully, we can begin to understand the fascinating life histories of the animals who live here.

Once we arrive at the end of the trail, we will investigate the soft muddy substrate left by the receding waters from the lake, which is partially drained every fall. With each track or sign we find, we will discuss and describe the unique features which allow us to identify the animal who left it and in so doing, experience the landscape come alive with stories, mysteries and hidden wonders. In the past we have found tracks and sign of black bear, bobcat, blue heron, coyote, red fox, raccoon, white-tailed deer, wild boar, gray squirrel, crayfish, and many other wild animals in this location. No experience necessary!

You may also like the following events from Smokies Life:

• Next month, 31st July, 08:30 am, Branch Out Event: Discover the Butterflies of the Smokies in Townsend
• This August, 7th August, 08:00 am, Branch Out Event: Plant Diversity of the Smokies in Gatlinburg
• This August, 21st August, 10:00 pm, Branch Out Event: The Art of Wildlife Tracking in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Bryson City, Workshops in Bryson City.