52 CWMP 2013-2014 Winter Field Season Report
Installing a Remote Camera Trap
(For the first time the camera is placed in the field for the season, or in case you move a
camera trap)
Target Species Guidelines
Creating a remote camera trap involves more than simply attaching a remote
camera to a tree with the appropriate settings. The components of a remote
camera trap include: specific location of the camera based on knowledge and
prediction of target species behavior and activity, camera settings, and found or
imported attractants.
All remote camera traps set up for CWMP are designed to target a specific
species and with specific research questions in mind. In some instances such as
along Interstate 90, camera traps are installed to monitor general wildlife activity
in an area. See the relevant species specific camera trap installation guidelines
for details for your specific location (links below for online access to these
documents).
Wolves: http://www.conservationnw.org/files/wolf-remote-camera-trap-
guidelines.pdf
Grizzly bear: http://www.conservationnw.org/files/grizzly-bear-remote-camera-
trap-field-methods.pdf
Wolverine: http://www.conservationnw.org/files/run.pdf
Canada lynx: http://www.conservationnw.org/files/lynx_detection_protocol.pdf
General consideration
These are some general considerations for installing a remote camera trap,
which apply to general wildlife monitoring sets and for most applications for
species specific traps.
Location: Find a location where wildlife will most likely pass by – a game trail, a
location with tracks or sign, travel corridors (valleys, river corridors), and/or excellent
habitat for your target species (i.e. dense forested cover for martens). Landscape
features that tend to funnel wildlife movement and areas close to water may be good
sites. Place the camera so that it is pointed toward this area. Avoid sites within 500 m of
campsites or human sign, or 250 m of human trails if possible (this may be difficult for
some of the I-90 locations). At a minimum select a site out of the line of site from major
trails and/or roads.
Trail Sets: If setting up a camera to target a trail, try to aim it at a 45-degree
angle to the trail (instead of shooting up or down the trail, or directly
perpendicular to it). A 45-degree angle generally captures the best images.
When setting a trail camera on a road or trail used by humans, besides using a
lock box and python lock, consider trying to set the camera below orro above
head height to keep it out of the line of site of people. Setting it in a location that
doesn't draw attention can also help with keeping it concealed from people.
