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shiny material from an overhanging limb.
During the 2016 season, the majority of our remote cameras were Bushnell Trophy Cam XLT, with a few
installations employing Reconyx RC55 or RC60. Camera settings are standardized for comparability across the
study area as outlined in the protocols (Appendix II). Volunteers are trained in camera installation and
maintenance prior to each season at a training held by project staff.
All installations, regardless of target species, are marked with a scent lure (with exceptions made in the I-90
corridor where the proximity of the installation 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
interact with other individuals within the same vicinity.
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Scent lure mimics this natural mode of communication
and acts as an attractant, bringing individual wildlife to the remote camera installation. The application of scent
lure or bait in our project adheres to guidelines established by our Advisory Council.
SPECIES PRIORITIZATION
Though each survey area is established with a specific target species in mind, data 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
installation during the season are immediately reported to project staff for confirmation and further
communication.
The priority listing for our 2016 season is as follows:
Level 1
Wolverine
Fisher
Lynx
Wolf
Grizzly bear
Mountain red fox/Cascades red fox
Level 2
Cougar
Marten
Mountain goat
Level 3
Beaver
Black bear
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Fredrick V. Schlexer, "Attracting Animals to Detection Devices," in Noninvasive Survey Methods for Carnivores, by
Robert A Long (Washington, D.C.: Island Press, 2008).
