Rabbits are seen all over campus (and if not, you can definitely find their tracks in the snow!) The rabbits often run between trees on the edges of campus because those trees are not groomed around the bottom. This means that when a heavy snow storm comes, the snow creates a Subnivean zone that keeps the rabbits warmer and more protected from predation than under a well groomed tree in the center of campus.

While snowshoeing near one of the most popular waterfalls in St. Lawrence County, I took a close up shot of this cottontail rabbit hopping through the snow. I thought that this rabbit left a pretty noticeable imprint. But I remember that the track were spread out far apart and it seemed a little rushed, so it could have been avoiding a predator. Most likely it was a coyote because I do recall seeing coyote tracks that day as well. Hope this little bunny got away safely!

March 18, 2014 – This animal sign picture is of rabbit footprints in the snow on the golf course at St. Lawrence. This gently rolling, lightly wooded golf course, runs along the river on the St. Lawrence campus. I took this photo because the tracks looked relatively fresh, and they were some of the only tracks around making them standout. These tracks are of a rabbit because of the way their feet are positioned, there are two smaller footprints in front of two larger ones.

Rabbits' larger hind steps jump over the smaller steps and point in the direction of its movement. This is quite intuitive but I found it very interesting when I learned that fact this year, since I have absolutely no experience tracking, nor am I familiar with a wide variety of animals. A significant amount of information can be deduced from animal tracks including speed (from the gait), direction of travel (from the direction of the paws or stepping characteristics in the case of the rabbit), and sometimes even intention (climbing up a tree, escaping prey, seeking food, shelter).