Identify wild animal scat
Observe and photograph wild animal scat from a safe distance, record size, shape, and contents, then use field guides to identify likely species.
About this activity
Observe and photograph wild animal scat from a safe distance, record size, shape, and contents, then use field guides to identify likely species.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Find an adult who will go outside with you and tell them you want to look for animal scat.
- 2
Step 2
Put on your disposable gloves so you do not touch anything directly.
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Step 3
Gather your notebook pencil ruler and magnifying glass before you head out.
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Step 4
Walk with the adult to a safe outdoor place where you might spot wildlife signs.
- 5
Step 5
When you see scat stop and stay at least three meters away from it.
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Step 6
Do not touch the scat under any circumstance.
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Step 7
From your safe distance take a clear photo of the scat.
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Step 8
Take a second photo that includes your ruler or tape measure next to the scat for scale.
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Step 9
Use your magnifying glass from the same safe distance to observe visible contents like fur seeds or insect bits.
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Step 10
Measure the length and width using your ruler or tape measure and write the numbers in your notebook.
- 11
Step 11
Write notes about the scatâs shape color and any visible contents and where you found it.
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Step 12
Use your field guide or printed pictures to compare your photos and notes and list two likely species.
- 13
Step 13
Carefully remove and throw away your disposable gloves in a trash bin.
- 14
Step 14
Use hand sanitizer to clean your hands after removing the gloves.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished scat-identification report with photos and notes on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I identify wild animal scat step-by-step?
Start by choosing a safe location and explain not to touch scat. From a safe distance photograph each sample from several angles, include a coin or ruler for scale, and note size, shape, color, odor, and visible contents (hair, bones, seeds). Record habitat, time, and trail signs. Compare photos and notes to a field guide or ID app to narrow species. If unsure, consult a local wildlife biologist; never collect without training.
What materials do I need to identify wild animal scat?
You'll need a smartphone or camera, a ruler or coin for scale, notebook and pen, and a field guide or identification app. Bring disposable gloves and hand sanitizer for safety, a magnifying glass for close observation, a flashlight for low light, and a GPS or phone map to record locations. Optional: zip-top bags only if collecting samples under expert guidance; otherwise photograph and record details instead of handling scat.
What ages is identifying animal scat suitable for?
This activity suits children aged about 5 and up with adult supervision. For preschoolers (5â6), focus on observing from a distance, photography, and simple comparisons. Ages 7â12 can learn to measure, record details, and use guides or apps. Teens can perform more systematic surveys and citizen-science submissions. Always tailor complexity to the child's attention and maturity, and insist on strict no-touch rules and close adult oversight in the field.
What are the benefits of identifying wild animal scat with children?
Identifying scat builds observation, critical thinking, and scientific recording skills while teaching ecology and food webs. Children learn to notice habitat clues, animal diets, and seasonal patterns. The activity encourages curiosity, patience, and respect for wildlife boundaries, and can connect families to citizen-science projects. Emphasize safety and ethicsâno touching or moving scatâto model responsible outdoor behavior. Variations include themed surveys (birds, mammals) or nighttime tra
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of disposable gloves, a magnifying glass, or a ruler if we don't have them?
If you don't have disposable gloves, magnifying glass, or a ruler, use disposable plastic sandwich bags over your hands (but still don't touch the scat), use your smartphone camera's zoom or a clipâon macro lens to inspect visible contents from the same safe distance, and place a common object of known size (like a coin or stick) next to the scat before photographing for scale.
What should we do if photos come out blurry or we can't see contents with the magnifying glass?
If photos are blurry or the magnifying glass doesn't show details, steady the camera against the ruler or a stable surface, switch to the phone's macro mode or increase zoom while keeping at least the threeâmeter safe distance, and retake a clear photo that includes the ruler or coin for scale before recording length and width in your notebook.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages, like a 4-year-old, an 8-year-old, or a 13-year-old?
For a 4âyearâold have the adult lead the walk and take the photos while the child makes simple drawings in the notebook, for an 8âyearâold let them use the magnifying glass and ruler to measure and write short notes about shape and contents, and for a 13âyearâold require precise measurements, two species comparisons using the field guide, and a full scatâidentification report with photos to post on DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize the scat-identification activity after finishing the instructions?
Turn your notebook entries, rulerâscale photos, and species guesses into a personalized field guide by adding map locations or GPS coordinates, a comparison chart of shapes and contents from your notes, and a photo slideshow or detailed DIY.org post that links each finding to the two likely species.