All animals, from the lowliest bugs to the biggest mammals, leave some sort of sign of their passing through.  Being able to identify and interpret animal tracks and sign allows new insight into the (often secretive) world of animals and their behavior.  If you’ve ever wondered “What made that track?” or “What was that animal doing when it made that?”, then this will be a good introduction to the art and science of tracking.

Heidi Bailey catching a fish. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine.

Heidi Bailey is the TPWD Regulatory Wildlife Biologist for four counties in the middle Post Oak Savannah Ecoregion. She graduated from Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M University in 1995 with a degree in Animal Science.  Heidi started with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department back in 1999 after stints as a horse trainer, ranch hand, and assistant feedlot manager, among others. As a biologist her responsibilities include conducting wildlife censuses, providing technical guidance to landowners/managers and hunters, preparing management plans, conducting outreach programs and hunts, wildlife disease monitoring, and performing habitat management and restoration activities.

Heidi Bailey participating in a controlled burn. Photo courtesy of Heidi Bailey.

Heidi is one of the top wildlife trackers within TPWD and has received Level 3 Track and Sign Interpreter certifications in two regions of the U.S. from CyberTracker International.  Besides tracking, her other passions within the job are prescribed fire and native range restoration and enhancement.  She has conducted prescribed burns across the state and considers educating landowners about the benefits of fire a top priority.  Likewise, she actively works to promote the eradication of exotic pasture grasses and the restoration of native grasses and forbs.  When she is not working she enjoys windsurfing, fly-fishing, hog hunting, running, competing in triathlons, and cooking “if it don’t hurt going down it’s no good” Tex-Mex food.