46 | P a g e
APPENDIX IV: 2013 Wolverine Run-pole Camera Station Protocol
Run-pole Camera Station Protocol Developed for Conservation
Northwest (CNW) by the North Cascades Wolverine Study (NCWS)
17 December 2012
Keith B. Aubry (kaubry@fs.fed.us) and Catherine M. Raley (craley@fs.fed.us)
Pacific Northwest Research Station, 3625 93rd Ave SW, Olympia, WA.
Objectives: Camera survey results contribute important information on the current
distribution of wolverines in our region. The primary objective for installing and operating run-
pole camera stations is to detect any wolverines in the area and obtain the best possible photos
of ventral blazes on the chest and throat. These markings are unique among individuals; thus,
with good photos we are able to identify individual wolverines and determine how frequently
they are detected and whether they are detected at multiple locations or during multiple years.
This protocol follows the basic run-pole and camera set-up design developed and used by
Audrey Magoun in Alaska (Magoun et al. 2011). However, this protocol does not include the
hair-snag frame developed by Magoun et al. (2011). The frame they developed requires
substantial effort to install and maintain, and has not been adequately tested in our region.
Thus, when the deployment of hair-snagging devices is needed, we recommend that CNW
volunteers use a simple gun-brush belt.
The run-pole sets should be constructed using natural logs (not milled lumber). When
determined by the survey coordinator, a hair-snagging device may also be deployed at a run-
pole camera site, as in many cases it will be important to collect genetic samples for DNA
analyses. Regardless, to maximize the chances of detecting wolverines, the run-pole camera
sites need to be kept as natural looking as possible with the minimum number of necessary
detection devices.
Selecting a camera site: The objectives are to: 1) survey areas that are adjacent to the North
Cascades Wolverine Study Area to document additional resident wolverines in the Cascade
Range, and 2) survey areas that have a high potential of containing wolverines based on the
spring snow coverage developed by Copeland et al. (2010). Based on results from Copeland et
al. (2010), and telemetry locations of wolverines monitored by the NCWS thus far (Aubry et al.
2012), wolverine occurrence in the northern Cascade Range of Washington is closely associated
with those areas that have snow cover persisting into the late spring (mid-April to mid-May).
The NCWS has provided CNW staff with a map of late spring snow cover to assist with locating
the best areas in which to deploy run-pole camera stations for detecting wolverine.
Camera sites should be >100 m from regularly used snowmobile routes and ski trails, or other
activities that may deter wolverines from approaching the area. The site must have at least a
couple of trees that are of the appropriate size and distance apart for constructing and
supporting a run-pole, hanging the bait, and setting up the camera according to the
specifications below.
