Mammalian Scats

Identification via Excrement!!!!

Optional Terminology

• Feces• Excrement• Pellets• Droppings• Poop• The list could

go on and on….

An Important Mammalian ID Tool

• Mammals versus Birds….• Mammals separate waste into solid

and liquid• Birds and some reptiles void 1

substance

Full of Useful Information…• It can be smelly, gross, disease ridden…BUT!• Is filled with great ID information:1. Diet:

– Hairs, feathers, bones, insect limbs and shells, fruit skins, seeds

2. Population size/location of the species

3. DNA Information4. Health of the animal: parasites

Non-invasive Method of Data Collection:

Black Rhino: Critically Endangered

How do Scientists Utilize Scat?

Conservation Biology Research

Plant Focused Research

University of Washington Elephant Research

LimitationsTremendous variety due to:

•Seasonal food availability•Age and health of animal•Other stresses on the animal

General Characteristics

• Twists:• Weasels-extremely twisted and

narrow

• Canine family-sometimes twisted

Animals without Twists…

• Cats (feline)

• Bears

• Raccoons

Segmented???

• Cats usually have segmented scats

• Canine and Weasels tend to be 1 cord

Bobcat Wolf

Blunt versus Tapered????

• Canines tend to have 1 or more tapered ends

• Weasels—long and thin tapered ends• Blunt ends—cats, raccoons, bears

Given those Characteristics…..GREAT VARIABILITY

NAME THAT SCAT! BLACK BEAR

NAME THAT SCAT!

• DEER

NAME THAT SCAT!

• RABBIT

Deer vs. Rabbit

NAME THAT SCAT!

COYOTE

NAME THAT SCAT!

BOBCAT

•Scratch

Marks

NAME THAT SCAT!

• MOUSE

REMEMBER….•As tempting as is may be….If you find scat, never pick it up!

•Animals carry diseases that might be passed through their feces.

FYI---BE PREPARED!!!Fri Dec 11th: High 55° Low 31° Partly CloudyChance of rain:0% Wind: SE at 11 mphFriday….we will go outside and attempt to

track and locate scat for mammals on campus!!!

Bring coats, hats, gloves, appropriate shoes etc…..