WHEN THE FOOTPRINTS ARE DISCOVERED, YOU SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO PROTECT THE EVIDENCE FROM DESTRUCTION AND A CAST SHOULD BE TAKEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IN THIS CASE, WHERE THE IMPRESSION IS OUTSIDE, IT SHOULD BE COVERED IMMEDIATLEY TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM RAIN, SNOW, WIND, OR THE DRYING OR BAKING EFFECTS OF SUNSHINE.
THE IMPRESSION SHOULD BE EXAMINED CLOSELY FOR THE PRESENCE OF LOOSE PARTICLES OR FOREIGN MATERIAL WITHIN THE IMPRESSION. THE EXTRANEOUS MATERIAL SHOULD BE REMOVED CAREFULLY WITHOUT DISTURBING THE IMPRESSION ITSELF. IF WATER IS PRESENT WITHIN THE IMPRESSION, IT SHOULD BE SIPHONED OFF. (NOTE: successful casts have been made in water filled impressions by slowly sifting dry plaster into the water. Ultimately, the plaster absorbs the water and upon drying produces an identifiable cast. Generally it is better to remove the water from the impression).