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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.
Lighting: For best results, consider how the light may affect the photos. Shadows and light
