Cheat sheet: Trapping knowledge and tracking

1. 1Look deliberately – Soft ground such as mud, sand and snow shows prints best.
2. 2Record the size – Photograph prints from directly above with an object of known size next to them.
3. 3Estimate the age – Sharp edges, moist ground and walls that have not collapsed suggest fresh tracks; rain, leaves or insect trails inside suggest older ones.
4. 4Draw a conclusion – Heavily used game trails, water holes and feeding areas are not campsites.
5. 5Identify later – Compare photos at home with a regional field guide or an expert body.

Caution: Fresh signs of large wildlife (e.g. very fresh droppings, disturbed ground, a carcass) are a sign to avoid the area: do not follow, turn back or choose another route, and follow local guidance.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/track-animal-signs

1. 1Find out beforehand – Read the guidance of the park or wildlife authority: which animals are there, which distances and rules of behaviour apply, which equipment…
2. 2Make yourself noticed – In dense forest, by streams or around bends with poor visibility, talk or call out occasionally so animals notice you early and can move…
3. 3Keep your dog on a lead – Dogs running free can flush, chase or lead wild animals back to you.
4. 4Observe from a distance – Use binoculars or a telephoto lens instead of approaching.
5. 5During an encounter – Stay calm, increase the distance, leave the animal a way out and keep it in view.
6. 6Report unusual behaviour – Report animals that have lost their shyness, seem sick or pester people to the park administration or relevant authority.

Danger: Never approach, feed, touch or crowd wild animals for photos – even if they seem tame. If an animal changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close: calmly increase the distance.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/track-wildlife-distance

1. 1Know the marking beforehand – Check on the map or at the tourist office which mark your trail uses.
2. 2Look for the next mark – Consciously look out for the next mark – on trees, rocks, posts or fences, often at eye level.
3. 3Stop at junctions – Stop briefly at every junction, read the signposts and compare with the map.
4. 4Look back – Turn around now and then: that way you recognise the way back, and marks for the opposite direction confirm the route.
5. 5When unsure, go back – If marks are missing, turn back to the last certain mark and reorient from there.

Caution: If you have not seen a mark for a long stretch, do not carry on hoping to rejoin the trail. Return to the last certain mark.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/track-trail-markings

1. 1Photograph the soles – Before the trip, photograph the soles of all participants, with name and shoe size.
2. 2Make agreements – Agree: who goes first, who last?
3. 3Check at junctions – If you are at the back and have lost contact, look for fresh prints with a known profile at junctions.
4. 4Show direction – Whoever goes ahead can leave a pre-agreed temporary marker at a junction (e.g. an arrow of twigs on the path) and remove it on the way back.
5. 5Share the data in an emergency – If someone goes missing, give rescuers the sole photos, clothing, last sighting and planned route.

Danger: If someone is missing and cannot be found after a short search along the route, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) early. Do not continue searching off trail alone and put yourself in danger.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/track-group-footprints

1. 1Get the overview first – Stand beside the trail and look at it over several metres.
2. 2Trail width and line – A narrow, almost straight line suggests an efficient walker or trotter; a wide, swaying trail suggests a waddler.
3. 3Look at the groups – With groups of four, check: are the large prints at the front?
4. 4Compare spacing – If the distances between groups suddenly increase, the animal sped up – perhaps because it was disturbed.
5. 5Record – Photograph a longer stretch with a size reference and note substrate, date and weather.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-gait-patterns

1. 1Make reference prints – Press several prints into soil, sand or mud with your knuckles, a stick or your own shoe – somewhere you are allowed to and disturb nothing.
2. 2Document – Photograph them immediately and then at intervals (e.g. after one hour, in the evening, the next day), always from the same angle.
3. 3Compare features – Look at edge sharpness, moisture, colour, collapsed rims and debris in the print.
4. 4Use the weather timeline – A track without raindrop marks after a shower last night is younger than the shower.
5. 5Apply in the field – Compare animal tracks with what you know from your references and give a range (“this morning to yesterday”) rather than a time.

Caution: If a track of a large animal looks very fresh, do not investigate further: gain distance and adjust your route.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-track-aging

1. 1Search at eye level and on the ground – Look for browsed twigs, stripped bark, rubs, hair on fences and gnawed cones or nuts beneath trees.
2. 2Recognise trails – Narrow, worn paths crossing hiking trails, gaps under fences and flattened vegetation indicate regularly used trails.
3. 3Only with eyes and camera – Photograph scat and feeding signs with an object of known size beside them.
4. 4Estimate usage – Many fresh signs in one place mean regular traffic.
5. 5Wash hands – After the outing – and before eating – wash or disinfect hands thoroughly, especially after contact with the ground in heavily used areas.

Danger: Never touch scat, pellets, carcasses or hair with bare hands and do not sniff them: they can contain pathogens and parasite eggs, in Central Europe for example those of the fox tapeworm. Wash hands thoroughly afterwards.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-feeding-signs

1. 1Check wind direction – Drop a few blades of grass, watch smoke, leaves or clouds or raise a wet finger.
2. 2Choose a spot with cover – Sit in front of a tree, bush or rock so your silhouette does not stand out against the sky.
3. 3Arrive early and quietly – Be at your spot before dusk or dawn, phone on silent, avoid rustling clothing.
4. 4Sit still – Remain quiet for at least 20–30 minutes, move slowly, raise binoculars slowly.
5. 5Leave unobtrusively – Wait until animals have moved away or leave in a direction that does not disturb them.

Caution: If an animal changes its behaviour (raises its head, stares, stops feeding, moves away), you are too close. Withdraw slowly. Never crowd large animals or block their escape route.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-observation-wind

1. 1Clarify legal matters – Use your own land or ask the landowner; check data protection, hunting and protected-area rules.
2. 2Choose a location – At a trail, a hedge, a gap under a garden fence or a water source in your own garden – not at paths, not at nests or dens.
3. 3Mount and aim – At knee height for smaller animals, strapped to a tree or post, preferably not facing the low sun.
4. 4Test – Walk through the detection zone yourself to check triggering and framing – then delete the test images of yourself.
5. 5Check rarely – Change batteries and memory card only at longer intervals.

Caution: If the camera records people, data protection laws may apply (in the EU, for example, the GDPR). Point the camera so that no paths, roads or neighbouring property are in view, and check local rules.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-wildlife-camera

1. 1Read the map – Look for forest edges, hedgerows, streams, lakes, saddles and narrow passages.
2. 2Connect basic needs – Where is cover (thicket, rocks), where is food (meadow, field, berry bushes), where is water?
3. 3Mind the time of day – Dawn and dusk are the most active times for many mammals.
4. 4Consider the season – Breeding, birthing and mating seasons change behaviour and sensitivity.
5. 5Apply – Choose an observation spot at a distance from an edge zone; choose a campsite away from water sources and trails.

Caution: Do not camp directly at water sources, on game trails or at feeding sites – the likelihood of wildlife encounters is higher there.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-habitats-movement

1. 1Choose and clean the print – Choose the clearest print and photograph it first with a size reference.
2. 2Set the collar – Place a cardboard strip or a cut-open cup as a ring around the print and press it lightly into the ground, leaving a little space around…
3. 3Mix the plaster – Sprinkle plaster into the water according to the manufacturer's instructions (not the other way round) and stir until lump-free, to a…
4. 4Pour from the side – Pour the slurry onto the ground beside the print inside the collar so that it flows in by itself – not directly onto the fine details.
5. 5Let it set – Depending on plaster, temperature and humidity, setting takes about half an hour or longer.
6. 6Lift and clean – Loosen the cast generously from below, lift it with the soil attached, wrap in newspaper and take it with you.

Caution: Do not inhale plaster dust or get it in your eyes; do not lean over the powder while mixing. Children only under supervision.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-plaster-casting

1. 1Choose the spot – A narrow spot that animals already pass: gap under a fence, opening in a hedge, edge of a flower bed.
2. 2Lay the strip – Lay a strip about one stride wide of fine sand or sieved soil a few centimetres thick and moisten it lightly.
3. 3Smooth – In the evening smooth it with a board or rake and note the time.
4. 4Read in the morning – In low light (early morning or with a torch from the side) prints stand out clearly.
5. 5Reset – Smooth again after evaluating.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-sand-tracking-plot

1. 1Basic data – Date, time, place (place name or coordinates), weather of the last few days, substrate.
2. 2Describe the observation – What exactly can be seen?
3. 3Interpret cautiously – Separately from the observation, note what you suspect and how sure you are.
4. 4Review later – At home, compare with regional tracking guides or ask experts.
5. 5Report where useful – Many regions have monitoring programmes or citizen science platforms for wildlife observations; for large predators, dedicated reporting…

Caution: Do not share exact locations of nests, dens or rare species publicly – this can lead to disturbance, poaching or collecting. Report such finds only to the responsible bodies.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-tracking-journal

1. 1Learn the baseline – Sit still at your regular spot and listen to what it sounds like when all is calm: song, contact calls, feeding on the ground.
2. 2Notice changes – Watch for sudden silence, hasty flushing, harsh call series or many birds looking in the same direction.
3. 3Direction and movement – Note where the alarm starts and where it travels.
4. 4Check from a distance – Look with binoculars without walking over.
5. 5Observe your own impact – When arriving, notice how far the alarm runs ahead of you.

Caution: Playing bird calls can disturb birds, especially in the breeding season. In protected areas it is often prohibited – check local rules and refrain from it.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-bird-alarm-calls

1. 1Look at the location – Pellets are often found under roost trees, in barns or rock niches; droppings at path junctions, stones or tree stumps.
2. 2Photograph and measure – Place a tape measure beside it for scale without touching.
3. 3Interpret the context – Compare with tracks, feeding signs and habitat.
4. 4If collecting – Pellets only, only with gloves, into a sealed bag.
5. 5Hygiene – Dispose of gloves, wash hands thoroughly with soap, clean work surfaces.

Caution: Droppings of foxes, dogs, rodents and other animals can transmit parasites and pathogens, for example fox tapeworm in parts of Europe. Do not touch with bare hands, do not sniff, do not stir up dust, wash hands thoroughly afterwards.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-pellets-droppings-hygiene

1. 1Look for the best prints – Along the trail, look for the clearest print – often at puddle edges, in damp mud or in thin, fresh snow on a firm base.
2. 2Interpret snow correctly – In deep snow measure the trail pattern rather than single prints.
3. 3Mud and clay – Details such as toe pads and claws are clear, but slipping distorts.
4. 4Sand – Damp sand shows shape, dry sand only outlines.
5. 5Use raking light – On dust, firm ground or tarmac hold the light low over the ground or use low sun and look at the print from different directions.
6. 6Record the substrate – Note substrate, moisture, temperature and weather since the last precipitation – they often explain differences in size and shape.

Caution: Banks, frozen water and mudflats can give way. Do not follow a track onto ice or into tidal flats or bogs.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-tracks-substrates

1. 1Fix the definitions – Decide beforehand which field guide you measure by: is length measured with or without claws?
2. 2Measure the print – On the clearest print measure maximum length and width; front and hind feet separately if distinguishable.
3. 3Trail width – Measure across the direction of travel from the outer edge of the left prints to the outer edge of the right prints.
4. 4Spacing – For walkers measure the spacing between consecutive prints; for bounders the spacing between groups and the group length.
5. 5Record the range – Note the smallest and largest value as well as substrate and gait; take a photo with the tape for scale.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-measuring-trails

1. 1Find routes – Look for gaps in fences, passages under hedges, worn paths in the lawn and trails on embankments.
2. 2Use good surfaces – In the morning after new snow, dew or rain, check pavements, car roofs and bin lids; use the lamp at a low angle.
3. 3Interpret signs – Note droppings on raised spots, torn rubbish bags, holes dug in lawns and scratch marks – and compare with a field guide.
4. 4Observe from a distance – Watch from a window at dusk or use a wildlife camera in your own garden.
5. 5Make the garden wildlife-friendly and low-conflict – Close bins, do not leave pet food outside, hedgehog gaps in fences, do not run robotic mowers at night, cover pits and shafts.
6. 6Report unusual things – Report injured or unusually tame animals to local wildlife rescue or the authority; do not catch them yourself.

Caution: Do not feed wild animals. Fed animals lose their shyness, cause conflicts and are sometimes killed. Some cities prohibit feeding certain species – check local rules.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-urban-wildlife

1. 1Find the trail without trampling it – Walk beside the trail, never on it. Look for the clearest print – often at puddle edges, in damp mud or in thin fresh snow.
2. 2Count toes and claws – Four toe pads in front of one main pad and usually small claw tips in front of the toes: that fits the dog family (fox, dog, wolf).
3. 3Check the shape: oval or round – Fox: print clearly longer than wide, the two middle toes sit well ahead of the outer toes, the pads are small with plenty of bare ground…
4. 4Judge the size – carefully – An adult fox leaves front prints about 4.5 to 6 centimetres long and about 3.5 to 4.5 centimetres wide (guide values).
5. 5Read the trail: straight line or all over – Look at at least ten to twenty metres of the trail.
6. 6Only look at other signs – Foxes like to leave droppings on raised spots such as stones, grass tussocks or path junctions; they are usually twisted, pointed at one…
7. 7Record, wash hands, keep your distance – Note place, date, substrate, measurements and your guess.

Danger: After a bite or scratch from a wild animal, rinse the wound with water and soap and get medical help. For serious injuries call 112 (in Austria also 144).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-fox-dog-tracks

1. 1Recognise the cleaves and read the direction – Two elongated halves that together form a heart or a drop: that is an even-toed ungulate.
2. 2Roe deer: small and pointed – A roe deer print is about 4 to 5 centimetres long (guide value), narrow, with pointed, sharp-edged cleaves.
3. 3Red deer: large and broader – The red deer leaves prints about 7 to 9 centimetres long (guide value) with broader cleaves that are rounder at the front.
4. 4Chamois and ibex in the mountains – Above the tree line and in rocky terrain, hoof prints often come from chamois or ibex.
5. 5Rule out confusion with wild boar – In wild boar the dewclaws are almost always visible and sit further out, wider than the cleaves themselves; the print looks rounder and…
6. 6Interpret the gait – When walking, deer place the hind hoof in or just beside the print of the front hoof; the prints lie in a narrow line.
7. 7Distance and consideration – Do not follow trails and do not flush animals.

Caution: In May and June roe deer fawns often lie alone in tall grass – the mother only comes to suckle. Do not touch or stroke them, move on quietly at once and put dogs on the lead.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-deer-tracks

1. 1Recognise the print – Two cleaves with rounder tips than in roe deer, behind them two dewclaws that almost always print and stand further out than the width of…
2. 2Read the trail of a group – Wild boar live in groups (sounders).
3. 3Read rooting signs – Ploughed-up soil in meadows, along forest paths or in the forest floor, often turned over in clods.
4. 4Wallows and rubbing trees – Muddy hollows with body impressions and bristles are wallows.
5. 5Fresh signs: do not go in – Fresh rooting, wet wallows, a strong smell, or grunting and cracking in the thicket mean: the animals are close.
6. 6Encounter: withdraw calmly – Stop, do not scream, do not run away and do not walk towards the animal.
7. 7After the encounter and special cases – Leave the area, keep the dog on the lead.

Danger: A sow defends her striped piglets determinedly. Never get between a sow and her piglets, do not touch or lure piglets. Never corner wild boar and always leave them an escape route.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-wild-boar-tracks

1. 1Look for five toes – Count the toes: five toes point to mustelids such as badger, marten, polecat or otter.
2. 2Badger: broad like a small bear paw – The badger print is wider than long, about 5 to 6 centimetres wide (guide value).
3. 3Look at badger signs – Badger setts often lie on wooded slopes and have several large entrances with spoil heaps containing old bedding of grass and leaves.
4. 4Marten: small and in pairs – Marten prints are about 3.5 to 4.5 centimetres long (guide value), with small pads; often only four toes show.
5. 5Look at marten signs – Marten droppings are sausage-shaped, twisted, pointed at one end and often contain hair, feathers or fruit stones.
6. 6Rule out lookalikes – Otter: five toes with webbing, only by water, often with slides on the bank.
7. 7Hygiene and consideration – Only photograph droppings, then wash your hands.

Danger: Never touch or corner badgers or martens, not even injured or seemingly tame animals. After a bite get medical help; for serious injuries call 112 (in Austria also 144).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-badger-marten-tracks

1. 1Recognise the hop group – Four prints lie close together, then comes a gap and another four prints.
2. 2Determine the direction of travel – The two large hind prints lie at the front of the group.
3. 3Brown hare: Y shape and long leaps – The two front feet land one behind the other, the two long hind feet side by side in front of them – together like a Y. Hind prints are…
4. 4Rabbit: smaller and close to the burrow – The rabbit leaves the same pattern, but smaller and with shorter hops.
5. 5Squirrel: rectangle from tree to tree – In squirrels the small front feet land side by side, and the hind feet also side by side in front of them – the group forms a rectangle.
6. 6Add feeding signs – Gnawed spruce cones with a frayed core and heaps of scales at the foot of the trunk, as well as hazelnuts split cleanly in two halves…
7. 7Consideration and hygiene – Leave young hares in the meadow and move on. Never touch dead hares and keep dogs away.

Caution: Never touch hares or rabbits found dead. Brown hares can transmit tularaemia, which also makes people ill. Keep dogs away; if you find several dead animals, report it to the local hunting tenant or the veterinary office.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-hare-squirrel-tracks

1. 1Look at the toes – First count and compare: how many toes point forward, is there a hind toe and how long is it?
2. 2Songbirds: hopping or walking – Small prints of about 2 to 3 centimetres (guide value) with a long, thin hind toe come from songbirds.
3. 3Crow: large, slim, step by step – Crows leave prints about 5 to 7 centimetres long (guide value) with slim toes and a strong, long hind toe.
4. 4Duck and goose: webbed feet – Three forward-pointing toes with skin between them, the hind toe tiny or invisible: that is a waterbird.
5. 5Heron: large and thin – Very long, thin toes and a long hind toe, the print often over 10 centimetres long: that fits the grey heron.
6. 6Gamebirds and wing marks – Pheasants and chickens leave three thick front toes and a short hind toe in a walking trail.
7. 7Hygiene, distance and reporting – Do not touch feathers, droppings or dead birds, keep dogs away, wash your hands afterwards.

Caution: Do not touch dead or sick wild birds and keep dogs away – they can carry pathogens such as avian influenza. If you find several dead wild birds, especially waterfowl or birds of prey, report the location to the veterinary office (in Austria the district authority).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-bird-tracks

1. 1Find out beforehand – Before the trip, check whether wolf, bear or lynx have been recorded in the area – in Austria with the Österreichzentrum Bär, Wolf, Luchs…
2. 2Recognise a wolf trail – A wolf print is about 8 to 11 centimetres long (guide value), oval, with four toes and claws – like a large fox print.
3. 3Recognise a lynx trail – The lynx print is round, about 6 to 9 centimetres wide (guide value), with four toes and usually no claws – like a very large cat paw.
4. 4Bear tracks and bear signs – Bear prints show five toes almost in a row in front of a broad sole; at the front long claw marks are visible, the hind foot resembles a…
5. 5Kills and carcasses: leave at once – If you find a dead animal, do not go closer and touch nothing.
6. 6Encounter: make yourself known, withdraw – Stop, do not run away, do not approach.
7. 7Report – and when to call emergency – Report tracks, droppings, kills and sightings with a photo (tape measure alongside), date, time and coordinates: in Austria to the contact…

Danger: Never approach, follow, lure or feed a wolf, bear or lynx – not even for a photo. Fed animals lose their shyness and become a danger to people and to themselves.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-large-carnivore-signs

1. 1Subsistence – In many regions – especially cold, northern areas – trapping was part of subsistence.
2. 2Fur trade – From the 17th century, the fur trade shaped large parts of North America, for example through the Hudson's Bay Company founded in 1670.
3. 3Europe – In Europe, hunting and trapping rights were long tied to land ownership and social rank; unauthorised trapping was considered poaching.
4. 4Change in the 20th century – With the rise of animal welfare and conservation ideas, many methods were restricted or banned.
5. 5Today – In many countries traps are now only permitted for trained and authorised people, with approved trap types and under strict conditions …

Danger: Do not reconstruct or set historical traps, not even “to try them out”. They can injure wildlife, pets and people; building and using them is a criminal offence in many countries.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-trapping-history

1. 1Experiment 1: ruler see-saw – Place a ruler centred on a round pencil.
2. 2Experiment 2: ramp and gate card – Prop up a piece of cardboard with books as a slope, place a toy car at the top and hold it with a card placed across.
3. 3Experiment 3: domino chain – Stand dominoes in a row.
4. 4Discuss – Where do we meet these principles in everyday life?
5. 5Tidy up – Take everything apart and put it away.

Danger: The experiments serve only to understand physics. None of it may be turned into a device that catches or injures animals or people – that is contrary to animal welfare and prohibited in many countries.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-mechanics-demo

1. 1Myth: “Traps are an easy food source” – Even experienced, licensed trappers do not catch something every day.
2. 2Myth: “In an emergency anything goes” – Emergency exceptions are narrow and differ from country to country.
3. 3Myth: “Meat solves the food problem” – Very lean game alone does not cover energy needs.
4. 4Myth: “Home-made traps don't affect anyone else” – Traps do not distinguish between species: protected animals, dogs, cats and even children can be affected.
5. 5What really helps – Supplies and emergency planning before the trip, warm clothing, water, signalling devices, leaving a trip plan with someone you trust – and…

Caution: In an emergency, first organise protection from cold or heat, water and help: call the local emergency number (112 in the EU), stay put, signal. Food is not the most pressing problem in most emergencies lasting a few days.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-trapping-myths

1. 1Check honestly: is this a genuine emergency? – A healthy person survives several weeks without food, but only a few days without water and, in the cold, often only hours without shelter.
2. 2Work out the energy balance – Think about what costs you the least strength: foraging plants you know for certain, fishing in a stream or lake, or traps.
3. 3Read animal runs and bottlenecks – Look for fresh signs: narrow trails through grass, tracks in mud, droppings, feeding signs on bark or shoots, burrows.
4. 4Choose safe places – Only use spots that no people, children, dogs, cats or grazing animals can reach: far from paths, huts, pastures and the trail around your…
5. 5Keep scent and disturbance low – Animals smell people and freshly cut wood.
6. 6Few traps, all counted and marked – Set only as many traps as you can safely check every day – better a few good ones than many forgotten ones.
7. 7Check at least daily – Walk the round at least once a day, better twice – early morning and evening, because many small animals are active at dusk and dawn.
8. 8Dismantle everything after the emergency – As soon as rescue comes or you move on, dismantle every trap using your list: take wire and cord with you, scatter sticks and stones…

Danger: The law in Austria and Germany: setting traps or snares without hunting rights is poaching – a criminal offence (Germany: § 292 StGB, Austria: §§ 137, 138 StGB). In Germany § 19 of the Federal Hunting Act bans snares even for hunters; in Austria the state hunting laws are similarly strict. This knowledge is only meant for genuine danger to life when rescue cannot be reached – not for practice, as a hobby or because you are hungry on a trip.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trap-emergency-basics

1. 1Check the emergency and the place – Snares only in genuine danger to life and only following the basic rules: far from paths, camps, pastures and houses, only on a small-game…
2. 2Bend the running eye – About two fingers' width from the end of the wire, bend a small eye: lay the wire around a thin peg or nail, wrap the end tightly around…
3. 3Form and test the loop – Pass the long end of the wire through the eye – this makes a running noose.
4. 4Find the right spot on the run – Choose a spot where the run is narrow, for example between two bushes or under a branch.
5. 5Make the anchor firm – Tie the free end of the wire firmly to a strong peg driven deep and at an angle into the ground, or to a strong root or sapling beside the…
6. 6Set the snare – The loop hangs upright and across the run.
7. 7Place guide twigs – Push thin twigs in on the left and right or arrange dry material so that the natural path leads through the loop.
8. 8Mark, check, dismantle – Tie tape at eye level a few steps beside the snare and write its number and location in the list.

Danger: The law in Austria and Germany: setting traps or snares without hunting rights is poaching – a criminal offence (Germany: § 292 StGB, Austria: §§ 137, 138 StGB). In Germany § 19 of the Federal Hunting Act bans snares even for hunters; in Austria the state hunting laws are similarly strict. This knowledge is only meant for genuine danger to life when rescue cannot be reached – not for practice, as a hobby or because you are hungry on a trip.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trap-snare

1. 1Choose site, weight and base – Look for a feeding place or run used by small animals, far from paths and camp.
2. 2Prepare three sticks – Cut three straight, dry and sound sticks, about thumb-thick and, for small game, about forearm-long: the upright, the diagonal and the…
3. 3Carve the upright – Carve the top end of the upright into a flat wedge tip like a screwdriver.
4. 4Carve the diagonal stick – A short distance from one end, cut a notch that fits exactly onto the wedge tip of the upright.
5. 5Carve the bait stick – Near the rear end goes a small notch in which the wedge tip of the diagonal sits.
6. 6Practise without the weight – Stand the upright vertically on the base, hook the bait stick's notch into the upright's notch, set the diagonal's notch on the upright's…
7. 7Fix the bait, lower the weight from the side – First push the bait onto the bait stick.
8. 8Check, mark, keep away – Check from a distance at the side that the weight rests securely and sits above the bait and the base.

Danger: The law in Austria and Germany: setting traps or snares without hunting rights is poaching – a criminal offence (Germany: § 292 StGB, Austria: §§ 137, 138 StGB). In Germany § 19 of the Federal Hunting Act bans snares even for hunters; in Austria the state hunting laws are similarly strict. This knowledge is only meant for genuine danger to life when rescue cannot be reached – not for practice, as a hobby or because you are hungry on a trip.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trap-figure-four-deadfall

1. 1Choose site, weight and base – As with the figure 4: a feeding place or run far from paths and camp, a flat stone or heavy piece of log much heavier than the animal, and…
2. 2Lay out the four sticks and the cord – You need a straight upright, a little shorter than the height at which the weight is to hang, a lever stick about as long as the upright, a…
3. 3Tie the cord to lever and toggle – Tie one end of the cord to the lower end of the lever stick and the other end around the middle of the toggle.
4. 4Set the upright and lay on the lever – Stand the upright vertically beside the base, ideally pressed slightly into the ground.
5. 5Hook in toggle and bait stick – without weight – Take the cord halfway around the upright so that the toggle lies horizontally against the upright at a right angle.
6. 6Fix the bait – Push or tie the bait onto the bait stick before the weight goes on. Use something the local animals know that is not lying around in…
7. 7Lower the weight from the side – Rest one edge of the weight on the base, hold it from above at the outer edge and slowly lower the raised edge onto the short end of the…
8. 8Check, mark, dismantle – Check from a distance at the side that the weight sits above the bait and the base.

Danger: The law in Austria and Germany: setting traps or snares without hunting rights is poaching – a criminal offence (Germany: § 292 StGB, Austria: §§ 137, 138 StGB). In Germany § 19 of the Federal Hunting Act bans snares even for hunters; in Austria the state hunting laws are similarly strict. This knowledge is only meant for genuine danger to life when rescue cannot be reached – not for practice, as a hobby or because you are hungry on a trip.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trap-paiute-deadfall

1. 1Plan a fixed round – Every day at the same time, ideally early in the morning and in the evening, walk to all traps in order using your list.
2. 2Approach carefully and assess – Stop a few steps away and look first: is the trap untouched, sprung, or is there an animal in it?
3. 3Release non-target animals at once – Pets and protected species are freed at once.
4. 4Open deadfalls from the side – If a deadfall has dropped, lift the weight from the side using a stick as a lever, never with your hand underneath.
5. 5Kill live small game quickly – Hold the animal still with the jacket or the long stick so it cannot move.
6. 6Confirm death – The animal is no longer breathing, the body is limp, and if you carefully touch the surface of the eye with a grass stem, it does not blink.
7. 7Watch for disease – Wear gloves.
8. 8Dismantle all traps completely – When the emergency ends or you can no longer manage the round, dismantle all traps using the list: set off deadfalls with the stick…

Danger: The law in Austria and Germany: setting traps or snares without hunting rights is poaching – a criminal offence (Germany: § 292 StGB, Austria: §§ 137, 138 StGB). In Germany § 19 of the Federal Hunting Act bans snares even for hunters; in Austria the state hunting laws are similarly strict. This knowledge is only meant for genuine danger to life when rescue cannot be reached – not for practice, as a hobby or because you are hungry on a trip.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trap-check-dispatch

1. 1Check the rules on site – Ask the park administration whether containers are required or food lockers are provided.
2. 2Separate cooking, eating and sleeping – Cook and eat at a distance from the tent, ideally downwind.
3. 3Pack everything scented – Store not only food but also rubbish, cookware with leftovers, toothpaste, sunscreen, soap and lip balm together.
4. 4Store out of reach – In required containers, food lockers on site or according to local guidance.
5. 5Pack out rubbish – Take all leftovers and packaging with you; do not bury or burn anything that animals can dig up or that leaves residue.

Danger: In areas with large wildlife, do not keep food, rubbish or scented items in the tent.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/track-food-storage-wildlife

1. 1Who may? – In many countries only people with a hunting licence or special trapping authorisation, sometimes with an additional course; in certain…
2. 2Which species? – Protected species are off limits unless an official exemption exists.
3. 3Which means? – Many methods are banned in many countries, such as snares, leghold traps, glue traps for wildlife or poison.
4. 4What duties? – Typical duties include regular checks, labelling, reporting catches and handling non-target animals that are caught.
5. 5When in doubt: authority – For binding information, the local hunting, conservation or veterinary authority is responsible.

Danger: Building or setting traps without authorisation, or catching protected animals, is a criminal or administrative offence with heavy penalties in many countries. Check local rules.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-trapping-law

1. 1Question 1: who is affected? – A trap meant for one species can just as easily catch a cat, dog, hedgehog, bird of prey or a protected animal – and endanger people too.
2. 2Question 2: how much does it suffer? – Injuries, panic, prolonged holding or incomplete killing mean considerable suffering.
3. 3Question 3: how long? – The longer an animal stays in a trap, the greater the stress and risk of injury.
4. 4Better: prevent – The most welfare-friendly solution is usually to prevent conflicts in the first place: secure rubbish and food, have building access points…

Caution: Glue traps cause severe suffering to caught animals and often catch non-target animals such as birds or hedgehogs. They are banned or restricted in some countries – choose humane alternatives and check local rules.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-animal-welfare

1. 1Observe the problem – What signs, damage, noises, at what time?
2. 2Remove food – Close or secure bins, do not leave pet food outside, no food scraps in the compost, collect fallen fruit, set up bird feeders so nothing…
3. 3Secure access – properly – Remove climbing aids on façades, fit grilles to cellar and ventilation openings.
4. 4Ask the responsible people – For wildlife: wildlife, hunting or conservation authority, the holder of hunting rights or licensed professionals.
5. 5Rodents in the house – Store food sealed, seal holes, keep things tidy.

Danger: Never close openings in buildings without being sure that no animal – and above all no young – remains inside. Trapped animals die miserably; special protection rules often apply during the breeding season. Ask professionals.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-problem-wildlife

1. 1Your own safety – On roads, secure the scene, keep distance from large animals, keep children and dogs away.
2. 2Observe from a distance – Is the animal visibly injured (blood, broken wing, cannot stand) or just alone?
3. 3Do not touch – Leave uninjured young animals where they are and leave the spot promptly.
4. 4Call experts – Contact a regional wildlife rescue, vet, animal welfare organisation, conservation or hunting authority or the police.
5. 5Follow instructions – Only if the experts explicitly ask, place a small animal in a ventilated box using gloves or a cloth and keep it quiet, dark and warm until…

Danger: After a wildlife collision, first secure the scene (hazard lights, hi-vis vest, warning triangle) and do not put yourself in danger. If people are injured, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU). Do not touch injured large animals – they can kick. Notify the police or responsible body; check local rules.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-injured-wildlife

1. 1Check the rules beforehand – Look up leash requirements, breeding and birthing seasons, protected-area rules and any dog bans for the area – they differ by country…
2. 2Use the lead where needed – Use the lead during breeding and birthing seasons, in protected areas, at game crossings, at dusk and when wildlife is in sight.
3. 3Stay on paths – Meadows, reed beds, thickets and shorelines are refuges.
4. 4Train recall – Practise recall first without distraction, then gradually with distraction; use a long line until it is reliable.
5. 5During encounters – Bring the dog close, walk on calmly or turn back.

Caution: If the dog chases wildlife, do not run after it – especially not near roads, steep slopes or water. Call, wait, then put it on the lead. Report an injured wild animal to the authority or via the local emergency number.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-dogs-and-wildlife

1. 1Drive with anticipation – Slow down at forest edges, fields and deer-crossing signs, especially at dusk, at night and in autumn and spring.
2. 2Animal on the road – Brake in a controlled way, hold the steering wheel firmly and stay in your lane, sound the horn, dip the headlights.
3. 3Secure after a collision – Hazard lights on, put on the hi-vis vest, get out on the side away from traffic, set up the warning triangle, move behind the crash barrier.
4. 4Report – Inform the police or the locally responsible office – this is mandatory in many countries.
5. 5Document – Photograph damage and the scene, ask for a certificate for the insurer where that is customary.

Danger: Do not swerve riskily. Evasive manoeuvres lead into oncoming traffic or into trees and are often more dangerous than hitting the animal.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-wildlife-road-safety

1. 1Choose a project – Choose a project with a clear question and instructions, e.g. regional counts, snow-tracking transects, camera-trap projects or roadkill…
2. 2Follow the protocol – Stick exactly to route, duration and counting method.
3. 3Secure evidence – Photo with scale, sound recording for calls, measurements for tracks.
4. 4State uncertainty – Report only what you can identify with confidence, or explicitly mark it as 'uncertain' or at genus level.
5. 5Protect species and people – No disturbance for a photo, obscure sensitive sites, respect privacy in images.

Caution: Do not share exact coordinates of rare or disturbance-sensitive species (e.g. breeding sites, dens, eyries) publicly. Many platforms obscure such data – check the settings.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-citizen-science

1. 1Recognise signs – Droppings, gnaw marks, grease smears on walls, nests of paper or insulation, scratching noises at night.
2. 2Find entry points – Check outside and inside with a lamp: pipe and cable penetrations, gaps at doors and gates, vents, cellar windows, joints at the foundation.
3. 3Seal gnaw-proof – Fill small gaps with steel wool and seal with caulk, larger ones with metal mesh, sheet metal or mortar.
4. 4Remove food – Keep food and pet food in sealed containers, rubbish in closed bins, offer bird food so nothing falls to the ground, no food scraps in…
5. 5Clean up safely – Ventilate for 30 minutes, wear gloves, soak droppings and nests with disinfectant solution and let it act, pick up with paper towels…
6. 6Involve professionals – With persistent infestation, rats in the house or uncertainty, hire a pest controller; follow local reporting and control rules.

Danger: Never sweep or vacuum rodent droppings and nests dry – pathogens can be inhaled with the dust. Ventilate first, wear gloves, soak with disinfectant solution, let it act and pick up with paper towels.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/tracking/trk-rodent-proofing