SECOND CLASS SCOUT

"A scout walks through the woods with silent tread. . . He sees tracks and signs which reveal to him the nature and habits of the creatures that made them. He knows how to stalk birds and animals and study them in their natural haunts. He sees much, but is little seen." Handbook for Boys, 2nd edition, c. 1925

5. Identify or show evidence of at least ten kinds of wild animals [birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, mollusks) found in your community.

Scout hikes and campouts are often good times to observe wildlife. You might also find plenty of evidence of animals in your neighborhood. As you study animals, try to figure out where they live and what they eat. What do they need to survive? How do they raise their young? Are they prey to other animals?

Your observations can tell you quite a bit about animals and their environments. Books and Internet sites devoted to nature will also explain much about the complex web of life going on all around you.