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Upload photos from retrieved memory cards to Google Drive (online photos sharing service) and fill out
online data form (see instructions for both below). Or you have the option of returning the memory
card(s) and data sheet(s) to your team leader or the nearest Conservation Northwest office ASAP, so
that we can get the photos from your camera downloaded and reviewed and store the camera check
information into our database. Mark on your data sheet how data is being returned, in case the images
become separated from it.
Cameras should ideally be checked roughly each month throughout the season, depending on the
camera location and accessibility. Your team leader will schedule checks to ensure that cameras are
being checked regularly and lure refreshed at the camera location.
Review, tag, and upload photos from retrieved memory cards on online Google Drive (online photos
sharing service) and fill out online data form (see instructions for both below). Email a brief report of your
visit to your team leader and Aleah Jaeger (aleah@conservationnw.org). If there are any important
news/findings, such as photos of the target species, problems with the camera or location, etc., contact
your team leader and CNW immediately (aleah@conservationnw.org). The next people from your team
checking the camera will greatly benefit from a brief report, including site conditions, what you learned
about animals in the area, topography, hazards, and any outstanding questions.
Considerations for relocating a camera trap
Selecting a camera trap location, preparing the site and setting the trap can be labor intensive. Most of
our target species have very large home ranges and even if they occupy the habitat where the camera
trap is set, they may not return to it for weeks or even months. For both of these reasons once set,
barring extraordinary circumstances, camera traps should be left in place for at least one month.
Extraordinary events might include: large changes to the landscape where the camera has been set such
as logging, fire, snow pack changes, increase in human activity in the vicinity, or compelling and time
sensitive evidence of a much more promising location in the area being surveyed.
After one month, it is reasonable to assess whether or not to continue to monitor the specific area where
you have set your camera trap or relocating it. Sites that have been very active with a variety of other
carnivore species might encourage you leave the camera trap where it is currently located. Sets that
have had a very low amount of activity might suggest that you relocate the camera. Other considerations
could also include an abundance of other promising locations to monitor or conversely, the location
where it is currently set still appearing to be the most promising option.
Remember that when a camera trap is moved it becomes an entirely new camera installation and needs
