As the winter months continue, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife wants to remind and encourage Mainers to step out their back door and get outside! There’s so much this beautiful state has to offer even in the colder months, and you don’t have to go far to find something to do. While downhill skiing and snowmobiling are two of the more popular extra-curricular activities in our state, there are quite a few winter activities you can try out to get the whole family involved locally. 

Identifying Animal Tracks

If you like scavenger hunts, identifying animal tracks might be the perfect winter activity for you! The snow is inevitable in Maine in the winter, so let’s embrace it. A fresh snow fall can provide a blank canvas for animal tracks, turning your backyard into a paw-print treasure hunt. Recognizing animal tracks is a creative way to get kids (and adults!) to be excited about spending time outdoors in the winter. You can even combine your animal tracking with winter walking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing for an exciting adventure!

Whatever activity you choose, always remember to dress accordingly, let others know where you’re headed, and have fun! Maine is a beautiful state year-round, so don’t let the cold weather deter you from enjoying all it has to offer! To download your own Maine Animal Tracks Pocket Guide, go to mefishwildlife.com/tracks.