Wildlife and tracking in Jämtland's wilderness

Jämtland's wilderness is a place where nature really comes alive, and understanding the presence of wildlife is a fascinating part of every adventure. The animals leave their tracks everywhere – in the snow, on the path and along the waterways – and these tracks can give us an insight into their behavior and daily life. By learning to identify and interpret these tracks, you can deepen your understanding of Jämtland's ecosystem and gain unique wilderness experiences.

In order to track animals in the Jämtlandsfjällen, it is important to start by understanding what wildlife is in the area. Everything from moose and bears to smaller animals such as mountain foxes and hares lives here. Moose tracks are often easy to spot due to their size. Their hoof prints are wide and deep, and you can often see them near water sources where the moose go to drink. Their walking patterns show that they often move slowly, reflecting their large body weight and majestic movements.

Fjällräven's tracks are smaller and harder to spot, but these small predators leave clear paw prints in the snow. The arctic fox is known for its quick, sharp movements, and their tracks can often be found near small prey such as voles or birds. As you follow these tracks, you can sometimes come across their nests, where they dig into the ground or use natural cavities for shelter.

Understanding bear tracks also requires attention. The bear's prints are wide and powerful, and you can often see claw marks in the ground. Bears are most active in the spring and fall, and their tracks often lead to areas of abundant vegetation or berries, which are an important part of their diet. If you encounter bear tracks, it is important to be cautious and show respect for this powerful animal by keeping a safe distance. However, it is important to remember that it is prohibited to track certain predators such as wolves and bears in order to pursue or drive them out of their habitats. Tracking must take place with the utmost respect for the animals' natural habitat, and the aim must be to observe without disturbing. An important rule is to never actively try to approach predators or use tracking as a way to interact with them. Instead, you should use binoculars to observe from a distance and minimize your presence in their territory.

However, following the tracks of the animals is not just about looking at the ground. Wildlife also leaves other clues, such as scratch marks on trees or droppings, that can tell what kind of animal has passed and when. These signs are especially important during the winter, when snow can cover ground tracks, but other clues such as broken branches or paw prints in the snow can reveal a lot about animal movements.