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How to Identify Scat. Hunters, naturalists, farmers, and simply the curious find scat
-- animal waste -- a helpful tool to learn about animals. You'll uncover many secrets
of the animal kingdom when you know how to identify scat. You will need Gloves or handling
tool Field guide Knife or razor Toothpicks and watch. Step 1. Obtain a scat sample, making
sure to handle it using tools or gloves. Step 2. Match the scat shape and size to its animal
family. Scat that looks like fattened threads indicates the weasel family, while scat that
looks like M&Ms; is most likely rabbit or hare droppings. Check a field guide for descriptions
of the scat characteristics of major families. The larger the animal, the larger the scat.
Step 3. Quarter the scat with a knife; then use a toothpick to pick away the edges. Examine
the inside, looking for hints of bones, feathers, hair, corn, or berries to match the animal's
diet to its species. Step 4. Note the time of day on your watch that the scat is found
to determine whether the animal is nocturnal, keeping in mind soft scat indicates freshness.
Step 5. Note the scat color, but realize color changes as a result of seasonal foods that
an animal eats. Scat found in winter may contain twigs and bark. Step 6. Note the location
where scat is found to help identify the animal's habitat. Step 7. Consult a field guide and
match your observations to the book's facts to learn what animal has been visiting. If
you are ambitious, go high-tech and seek a scientist to run a DNA test on the scat. Thanks
to this analysis, you may know more about the animal than you do your best friend. Did
you know Scat detection dogs help scientists locate both land and marine animals.