Animal C S I:

Critter Scene investigation

Kelley Reetz - Brugmann

Interpretive Specialist/ Scat Expert

Saturday, November 22, 2014

National Association for Interpretation

Session Learning Outcomes

• You will participate in and assess fun-filled educational and recreational activities that support open space and natural resources.

• You will understand the steps needed to develop an interactive CSI program for urban, open space or historic park setting.

Our Next Hour

• CSI: What is it?

• Wildlife in Our Parks

• Park Design with Wildlife in Mind

• Quick Rules and Regulations

• Tips, Tricks and Techniques for CSI

• Critter Scene Investigation Stations!

Introduction to

Critter Scene Investigation

WHERE did you find it?

WHAT does it look like?

WHEN did this happen?

WHY has this occurred?

WHO do you think left it?

vocabulary

• Forensic Science – The application of all forms of science to aid legal

investigations.

• Forensic Scientist – A person who uses forensic science to solve crimes.

• Physical Evidence – Any object relevant to the crime.

• Wildlife Forensics – Forensic Scientists use the same methods and tools

for wildlife crime as used in crime against people.

Wildlife in Urban Parks

• Bats in palm trees

• Hawks nesting in sports lights or roofs

• Migratory Birds near lakes, ponds, pools

• Woodpeckers in rafters

• Coyotes cruising around

• Found along our trails

Photo @ Steve Winter/National Geographic

Photo @ Sea & Sage Aubudon

Quick Rules & Regulations

• Migratory Bird Act – must leave the birds alone!

• Red-eared Sliders at cultural celebrations

• Rabbits at Easter

• Desiring baby animals in spring time

• Animal Collections (tarantula, tortoise or horned lizard)

• Coyote packs roaming parks

• Concern of rabies from wildlife

• Hantavirus – tight quarters in restrooms, children’s play area

• ALL TEACHABLE MOMENTS

Park Design with

Wildlife in Mind

– Assistance: Bat boxes, hollowed/fallen trees, revegitated culverts, habitat vegetation cover (non-maintenanced)

– Pollution Concerns: Noise, Water, Light

– Prevention: dog park zones, poop bags, trash cans covered, recycle bins

– Signage: regulatory (ordinances), interpretation, Do not feed, Speeding

– Camera Monitoring: Who’s where

Areas for Wildlife, Areas for Humans?

Photo @ National Park Service

Wildlife Monitoring

Cameras

The Clues in Pooh

Tricky Tracks

Guts and Glory

Bone Basics

CSI Station Reviews

The Clues

in Pooh

Step 1: Examine Shape and SIZE

The size of the scat can help us assume the size

of the animal.

Shape matters!

Twists

Tubular

Pellet

Oblong

Blunt ends

Pointed ends

Step 2: Review Color and content

The color and content can tell us if we are dealing with an

herbivore, carnivore or omnivore.

We can also age the scat, too!

Step 3: Examine location

The location can help to determine which critter

deposited the pile.

Where is it located?

- On a rock

- In the grass

- Scattered

- Partially buried

- In a latrine

- By a water source

Tricky

Tracks

Tracker’s clues

Clear track Pattern Pressure

Release

Step 1: Clear tracks

Investigate the clues of Clear Tracks:

- Symmetry

- Nails

- Toe Pad Shape

- Number of Toes

- Placement of Toes

- Fur

- Metacarpal Pad Shape (palm)

- Heel Pads

- Negative Shape

Step 2: Examine Pattern

Types of animal movement

Trot

Bound Pronk

Walk

Step 3: Examine Pressure Release

Pressure release is the disturbances in the soil in and around the track.

Pressure release creates mountains and valleys in the dirt.

Guts and Glory

What are you examining? Is it gooey, moist, smelly, stiff, old, does it have invertebrates on it?

Step 1: Examine the Parts

Step 2: Why only Guts?

Why are there a only guts?

Where are the other parts of the body?

Why isn’t there blood?

What animals might be eating what is currently viewed?

Step 3: Analyze Surroundings

Are there any drag marks to or from the site?

What hidden areas are close by, offering predator protection?

Are there any pieces of the prey that can give insight to what specie it was?

Gut piles are fabulous indicators of carnivorous behavior.

Enjoy from a distance –

nature’s nuggets may contain harmful bacteria.

Step 4:

Owl Pellet

vs. Puke

Bone Basics

Step 1: Examine The critter Scene

- What bones are present?

- Is there any way to tell if this is a new or old critter scene?

- What condition are they in?

- What other evidence do you see?

- Is there a “secondary critter scene”?

- Figure out which bones are present.

Step 2: Examine The Body Bones

- What bones are there? Long Bones? Rib Bones? Pelvis? Feet or Hands?

- What size are the bones?

Bigger or smaller than your own skeleton?

- Do you see any obvious

damage to the bones? Are they broken or chewed?

Step 3: Examine the Skull

Investigate the following evidence:

- Shape

- Size

- Cheekbone Size (Zygomatic)

- Skull Holes Size (Foramen Magnum)

- Eye Sockets

- Teeth

- Brain Case

- Special Features (Horns or Antlers)

Step 4: Analyze The Evidence

Can you answer any of the following questions?

- Was this animal killed by another animal?

- Was this animal eaten by another animal?

- Can the evidence in the bones tell us what happened?

leT’s InvesTIgaTe

our Critter scenes

Urban Wildlife Sites: Urban Wildlife, USDA:

http://www.fs.fed.us/research/wildlife-fish/factsheets/urban-wildlife.pdf

Urban Wildlife Institute, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago:

www.lpzoo.org/conservation-science/science-centers/urban-wildlife-institute

US Fish & Wildlife – Migratory Bird & Treaty Act

https://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/RegulationsandPolicies

Nature Websites: Acorn Naturalists, www.acornnaturalists.com

Animal Grossology, www.grossologytour.com

Nature Watch, www.nature-watch.com

Skulls Unlimited, www.skullsunlimited.com

Resources for C S I:

Get outside and

investigate!

Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks www.LetsGoOutside.org

www.facebook.com/irlandmarks

kreetz@irconservancy.org