An Animal mal C S I: : Critter itter Sce cene ne inve nvesti stigat gation ion Kelley ley Reetz eetz - Brugma gmann nn 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!
Intro roduc duction tion to Critte tter r Sc Scen ene e I Inves estig igation tion 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 Photo @ Sea & Sage Aubudon lakes, ponds, pools • Woodpeckers in rafters • Coyotes cruising around • Found along our trails Photo @ Steve Winter/National Geographic
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 Areas for Wildlife, Areas for Humans? – 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 Photo @ National Park Service – Signage: regulatory (ordinances), interpretation, Do not feed, Speeding – Camera Monitoring: Who’s where
Wildlife Monitoring Cameras
CSI Station Reviews The Clues in Pooh Tricky Tracks Guts and Glory Bone Basics
The The C Clues lues in in P Poo ooh
St Step ep 1: Ex 1: Exam amine e S Sha hape e a and S SIZE ZE The size of the scat can help us assume the size of the animal. Shape matters! Twists Tubular Pellet Oblong Blunt ends Pointed ends
Ste tep p 2: 2: Rev eview ew C Col olor or a and d c con ontent tent The color and content can tell us if we are dealing with an herbivore, carnivore or omnivore. We can also age the scat, too!
St Step ep 3: Ex 3: Exam amine e l loc ocat ation on 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
Tr Tric icky ky Tr Track acks
Tracker’s clues Press ressure ure Cle lear ar track ack Patt ttern ern Release lease
St Step ep 1: C 1: Clea lear trac acks ks 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
St Step ep 2: Ex 2: Exam amine e P Pat attern ern Types of animal movement Walk Trot Pronk Bound
Ste tep p 3: 3: Ex Exam amine ine P Pres essu sure re R Rel eleas ease Pressure release is the disturbances in the soil in and around the track. Pressure release creates mountains and valleys in the dirt.
Gu Guts ts a and nd G Glo lory ry
Step 1: Examine the Parts What are you examining? Is it gooey, moist, smelly, stiff, old, does it have invertebrates on it?
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.
St Step ep 4: : Ow Owl Pe l Pell llet et vs vs. . P Puke uke
Bon one e Bas asic ics
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)
St Step ep 4: An : Anal alyze ze The Evi he Eviden ence 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
Reso esour urces ces f for or C C S I S I: : 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
Get Get o outs utside ide a and nd tigate! in inves vestigate! Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks www.LetsGoOutside.org www.facebook.com/irlandmarks kreetz@irconservancy.org
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