When tracking, what does "Sign" refer to?

The term "Sign" in the context of tracking refers to any evidence of change from the natural state in the environment. This encompasses a broad range of indicators that a person or animal has recently passed through an area. This can include footprints, broken branches, disturbed earth, and other alterations in the environment that indicate recent activity.

Understanding "Sign" as evidence of change is essential for trackers, as it helps them determine the direction, type, and recency of movement within a specific area. This insight allows for more effective navigation and decision-making, particularly in search and rescue operations. When tracking, the ability to recognize various forms of signs can greatly enhance the searcher’s ability to locate individuals or gauge the conditions in a given area.

The focus on broader evidence of change rather than limiting the definition to specific types, such as just footprints, is crucial for tracking performance. Recognizing diverse signs can offer clues about the environment and potential hazards as well.