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camera station and during each camera-check visit. There are different forms for the 2 camera
types because of differences in settings and the type and number of batteries that need to be
maintained.
8. If there is evidence that a wolverine has visited the station (e.g., tracks or a photo-
detection), the crew should carefully inspect the area around the station for scats and hair (see
Figure 8). If a wolverine accesses the run-pole, there is a good chance that they left hair on the
run-pole arm. So it is important to inspect that surface for potential hair samples to collect.
Please collect any possible wolverine scats or hair according to the directions on the NCWS's
Genetic Sample Data Form (see page 15). To prevent potential contamination of genetic
samples, wear Nitrile gloves to collect samples and place them in collection bags or envelopes.
Always use paper bags for scats (a separate bag for each scat) and paper collection envelopes
for hair (never plastic bags which can trap moisture and ruin the samples for DNA extraction).
When using a gun-brush hair-snagging device, place each gun-brush that has a potential
sample into a separate paper envelope (or small paper bag).
9. Back in the office, immediately download all photos into separate folders (do not
delete any photos from the memory cards for any reason). Create a folder for each camera
station and camera device and subfolders for each check date. Example: if there are 2 cameras
at Easy Pass (a Trail Watcher and a Reconyx) create 2 folders "EasyPassTW" and "EasyPassRx".
If you have 2 of the same camera type at a station, name the folders as follows: e.g.,
"EasyPassTW1" and "EasyPassTW2". Within each of these folders, create subfolders for each
camera visit. The subfolder name should be the dates that go with that camera check; e.g., Feb9-
Feb19. Immediately back up images on a CD, DVD, or another hard drive.
10. Back in the office, immediately make a copy of the data form for each camera station
that was checked.
11. Back in the office, immediately make sure any genetic samples that were collected
are processed and mailed according to instructions on the Genetic Sample Data Form (see page
15). This includes using desiccant to remove any moisture from the samples; do not refrigerate
or freeze samples and do not place them in plastic bags for mailing. Notify CNW staff so that
the samples can be mailed as soon as possible to Keith Aubry or Cathy Raley at the Pacific
Northwest Research Station, Olympia, WA. The NCWS's Genetic Sample Data Form can be
used or modified by CNW to record detailed data on each genetic sample collected by
volunteers. If so, please include a copy of the completed form when sending labeled genetic
samples to Keith or Cathy.
Literature cited:
Aubry, K.B., J. Rohrer, C.M. Raley, R.D. Weir, and S. Fitkin. 2012. Wolverine distribution and
ecology in the North Cascades Ecosystem – 2012 Annual Report (November 21, 2012).
< http://wolverinefoundation.org/resources/research-reports/ >
