British Columbia CORE Hunting Practice Exam

What physical evidence might indicate the presence of a specific animal species?

1. Food types

2. Tracks and droppings

3. Population size

4. Weather patterns

The correct answer is: Tracks and droppings

The presence of tracks and droppings is a direct physical indication of specific animal species in an area. Tracks provide information about the size, shape, and movement patterns of an animal, allowing for accurate identification. Each species has distinct footprints that can often be linked to their unique attributes, such as claw marks or pad size. Droppings, or scat, can give significant clues about the diet and health of the animal, as well as its species. The size, shape, and content of the scat can vary considerably between different animals, providing further identifiers that can help in recognizing the species in question. Both tracks and droppings are tangible signs that wildlife observers and hunters use to ascertain the presence of animals in a particular habitat. While food types may suggest the kind of animals that could be in the vicinity, they do not provide definitive proof of presence, as they may attract a variety of wildlife. Population size cannot be determined through physical evidence alone without observing multiple indicators over time. Weather patterns are not indicative of wildlife presence; they primarily influence animal behavior and habitat conditions, but not directly the physical evidence of any specific animal.