BIOL 13
Introduction to Animal Tracking Winter 2020

This is not the current course catalog

This course is an introduction to the ancient art and science of animal tracking, and its use for ecological inventory. Participants will deepen their skills as naturalists, their awareness of the natural world, and discover that even the greens at Williams College are abundant with wildlife. Students will have field time in class at Hopkins Forest as well as through independent study at a convenient outdoor location of each student’s choosing. Basic concepts of animal tracking, its history and use by indigenous people throughout the world will be discussed through video and slide show. Students are required to create journals and site maps of Hopkins and their personal study areas, including all major features of the landscape, flora and fauna activity. Students will be expected to visit their study spots everyday for a minimum of 1 hour of tracking journaling and data collection. The course will meet twice a week for 4-5 hour sessions, primarily in the field. One field trip to a nearby state forest is scheduled for the fourth or fifth class meeting day. This day may extend to 4:00. Students are expected to have appropriate outdoor gear for winter. Adjunct Bio: Dan Yacobellis is a local naturalist and wildlife tracker who has explored forest and field for more than 20 years. He teaches courses on wilderness skills and tracking at nature education centers in Massachusetts and New York as well as his own independent programs.