49
Contents
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………….1
Safety considerations……………………………….………………………………………1
Camera trap site selection………………………………………………………………...2
Camera trap set guidelines………………………………………………………………..3
Data collection………………………………………………………………………………….4
Acknowledgements and references……………………………………………………6
Appendix 1: Grizzly bear field identification……………………………………….7
Appendix 2: Grizzly and black bear tracks and signs…………………………...8
Appendix 3: Gear list for grizzly bear camera trap teams…………………...13
Introduction
CWMP's effort to detect Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) in the North Cascades Ecosystem (NCE) is
designed to complement the work already carried out by the Cascade Carnivore Connectivity Project
(CCCP). Locations for surveying are selected based on the sampling model created by CCCP (Long et al
2013) and the sampling method they employed based on the "hair corral" described by Kendall and
McKelvey (2008). CWMP's field methods are adapted from these methods to focus on simple detection
using remote camera data rather than DNA analysis based on genetic sample (hair) collection. CCCP's
primary research objectives where to collect information on the genetic structure of carnivore
populations in the NCE and secondarily to detect grizzly bears and other rare carnivores. CWMP's
primary research goal is detection of grizzly bears. Because of this, replacing hair collection with a
remote camera allows for a simplified set up and removal of the detection system. Data collected require
much less complex and expensive analysis. Because field identification of grizzly bears as compared to
black bears (Ursus americanus) involves features that are relatively easy to detect in close up photographs
(head and shoulder shape), remote cameras set to take multiple photographs and photograph
continuously once triggered should allow for definitive identification of grizzly bears if detected.
Methods for attempting to collect genetic samples (hair), if a putative grizzly bear is detected via
photograph, are covered as well to help confirm identification and potentially shed more light on the
