Do you know how to identify animal poop?
It's a stinky question, no doubt about it.
Sometimes identifying animal droppings in the woods isn't as easy as you might think. Animal fecal matter can take on many different appearances, and some outdoorsmen and women might get confused. Especially since some forms of animal feces can look so similar to one another.
So, here is your chance to test your critter excrement identification skills.
In all honesty, it's a good idea to practice animal scat ID. It may seem weird to study the pooping habits of some animals, but it will make you a more seasoned hunter and outdoorsman! Also, when you live in a rural area, it is just nice to know if what is in your yard is a raccoon or a mountain lion.
Most are common North American critters, but we're throwing a few animals from all over the world into the mix just to make this more challenging. Can you identify these 12 wild animal turd examples just based on photos alone?
Make your guesses and then scroll to the bottom to see the answers.
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Do you know your poop?
Animals poop literally everywhere, but let's face it, not a lot of us pay attention to what they're leaving behind.
Let's see how you did!
The correct answers are:
1. Deer
2. Coyote
3. Moose
4. Grizzly Bear
5. Wild Boar
6. Elk
7. Bison
8. Badger
9. Elephant
10. Wombat (Yes, it comes in cube form rather than tubular. Weird huh?)
So, how many did you get right? Are you a master woodsman and tracker? If so, you know your poo! Or are you spending too much time in urban areas, and bear scat looks like all the rest? We're willing to give you a little leeway if you were close. Some of these, like the deer poop are easy. It gets difficult with large carnivores like bears that have a diet that includes not just obvious carrion in the form of bits of bone, but also plants and insects. We admit, we made it a little more difficult by including several animals that are not native to North America. At least now you have a better idea of what some of it looks like. It is always helpful to know what just decided to defecate near your campsite right?
Identifying the poop that animals leave behind is a real challenge, but with a little practice, you'll get better at it and it will make you that much more knowledgeable about the great outdoors in the process!
For more outdoor content from Travis Smola, be sure to follow him on Twitter and check out his Geocaching and Outdoors with Travis Youtube channels.
NEXT: 3 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO WHEN SCOUTING FOR FALL HUNTING
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