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● Genetic sample data sheet
APPENDIX IV
Wolverine 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
