'Desert CSI’ gives kids a crack at animal tracking

Kids ages 5 to 10 can take a crack at animal tracking this weekend.

Phoenix Zoo is partnering with Maricopa County Parks and Recreation to offer a first-ever “Desert CSI” — Critter Scene Investigators — program. It’s 9 a.m. Nov. 15 at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa.

The interactive two-and-a-half-hour-long event will give families the opportunity to learn about Sonoran Desert wildlife up close at a live animal demonstration with zoo personnel.

“We bring out animals that you might find when you’re out hiking on an Arizona trail, like the desert tortoise, a Harris’ hawk, burrowing owls, a snake,” says Christina Klein-Ellis, manager of education at Phoenix Zoo.

Children will also learn from park rangers about the signs wild animals leave behind, such as paw prints in the dust, the bones of prey that’s been picked clean and scat, or droppings. After that, they’ll work as animal investigators to explore an off-trail wash for traces of wild animals.

“It’s a much wilder-looking area; it’s not a place you’d normally go if you were out there hiking on a trail,” says Klein-Ellis. “It’s a unique opportunity for families and especially children to get out and enjoy their own backyard.”

Advance registration for Desert CSI is required through the Phoenix Zoo Reservation Department at (602) 914-4333.

Desert CSI: Critter Scene Investigators

What: Children ages 5-10 and their caregivers can check out live desert animals up close as zoo staff and park rangers teach them how investigate animal tracks, scat and bones. They’ll also explore the desert, looking for signs of wild animals and get an official CSI kit.

When: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday

Where: Usery Mountain Regional Park, 3939 N. Usery Pass Road, Mesa

Cost: $12 per child; $5 per adult who is a member of Phoenix Zoo or Maricopa County Parks; $8 per nonmember adult

Information: (602) 914-4333 or www.phoenixzoo.org or www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/

Helpful information to keep in mind

• Desert CSI is not a drop-off program; children must be accompanied by a caregiver.

• Participants must wear closed-toe shoes.

• Bring water and sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. You may bring a blanket or camp chair for your comfort during the animal presentation.

• Part of the program will be on uneven trail surfaces, which are not conducive to strollers or wheelchairs; be prepared to walk.

• No pets are allowed at Desert CSI.

• Food will not be served, but the park does have picnic ramadas if you would like to pack a lunch and enjoy it after the program concludes.