When are tracks usually most visible to searchers?

Tracks are usually most visible to searchers when the sun is at a low angle in the morning or afternoon. This occurs during the early morning and late afternoon hours, when the sunlight casts longer shadows and creates contrasts that help to highlight the details of the ground, including any disturbances such as footprints or disturbances in vegetation.

In these times, the oblique sunlight can reveal features that might not be discernible during midday sun when the direct overhead light can wash out details and create less pronounced shadows. This low-angle sunlight enhances the ability of searchers to perceive subtle changes in the terrain that are indicative of a person or animal's passage, making it a more effective time for tracking during searches.