Through performance evaluation, the applicant will demonstrate the ability to:  

Sign can be caused by other animals and some natural causes. Care must be taken when drawing search conclusions based on inconclusive sign.

(1) Flattening- Compression.

SHINE: 
    The light reflection from human footprint damage or compression of ground surfaces. Grasses and loose debris are compressed or compacted together uniformly causing the reflection of light from a surface within the compressed or damaged area.

Vegetation crush.
Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human? Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Broken or crushed dirt clots.
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Imbedded twigs and rocks.
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Crushed animal dung.
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. In difference to the natural surroundings. Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human?

(2) Regularity- Patterns

Geometric patterns
Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human? Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Regularity - repeated disturbance.
Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human? Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. In difference to the natural surroundings-. Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human? Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

(3) Color change

Transfer of material from one surface to another.
Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human? Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Bruising - of vegetation
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. Breakage - of vegetation Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Scuff marks
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. In difference to the natural formation. Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human? Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Clouded Water
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. Dew removed Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human?

(4) Disturbance

Discarded items (Search Data)
Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Dew removed.
Outline- boundary or perimeter line around an area, delineating from its surroundings. Shape/Size- large enough to be human?

Vegetation damage
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Rocks and twigs dislodged
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. Fallen petals and leaves Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture.

Defecation
Contrast/Color- difference in color, texture. Shape/Size- large enough to be human?

Our thanks to Sonoma County Search and Rescue Team
http://www.sonomasar.org/