14 | P a g e
However, in cases where wild bait was unavailable, bait was purchased at butcher shops. In
addition to run-pole structures and bait, each site designated for wolverine detection was also
equipped with snags for hair collection. Though individual wolverine can be identified visually
from chest blaze photographs, DNA analysis is important to confirming individuals and
retrieving additional information. The hair snag system CWMP employs consists of a gun brush
belt with eight gun brushes attached horizontally. This belt is attached just below the run-pole
around the tree. Hair samples are removed from the gun brushes using latex gloves at each visit
and are sent away immediately for lab analysis.
During the 2013 Spring-Fall season, the majority of our cameras were Bushnell Trophy Cam
XLT though a few sites also had Reconyx RC55 or RC60 and Cuddeback No Flash motion-
triggered cameras. Camera settings are standardized across each site for comparability across
the study area as outlined in the protocols (Appendix III). Volunteers are trained in camera
installation and maintenance prior to each season at a training held by project staff.
All sites, regardless of target species, are marked with a scent lure with exceptions made in the
I-90 corridor where the proximity of the site is too close to the roadway. Wildlife use scent
markings as important means of communication to establish territories, find mates and prey,
assess levels of danger, and ascertain other individuals within the same vicinity.
16
Scent lure
mimics this natural mode of communication and acts as an attractant bringing individual
wildlife into the remote camera site.
17
The application of scent lure in our project adheres to
guidelines and best practices established by our Advisory Council.
SPECIES PRIORITIZATION
Though each site is established with a specific target species in mind, data gathered on the
presence of non-target wildlife is also valuable. We use a species priority list that categorizes
Washington species in order of significance to our project as established by project staff in
consultation with our Advisory Council. Using our category structure, we are able to establish
protocols for documenting certain species of interest and facilitating timely communication
with project partners during the season. All Level 1 species detected at a remote camera site
during the season are immediately reported to project staff for confirmation and further
communication. The priority listing for our 2013 season is as follows:
Level 1
Wolverine
Fisher
16
Fredrick V. Schlexer, "Attracting Animals to Detection Devices," in Noninvasive Survey Methods for
Carnivores, by Robert A Long (Washington, D.C.: Island Press, 2008).
17
Ibid.
