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Camera Trap Set
This camera trap is an adaptation of the hair corral described by Kendall and McKelvey (2008) and
utilized by CCCP (Long et al 2013) in the NCE. It is based on a classic bait structure that bear hunters
from around the world have used to attract both black and brown/grizzly bears.
The scent lure used for this trap is a combination of fermenting cattle blood and fish oil provided by
United States Forest Service to CWMP. This lure is extremely strong smelling. Care in transporting the
lure in the field and out is key. The lure is designed to trigger a foraging/curiosity response in bears to
draw them to its location but has also been observed to elicit rubbing behavior (a communication
behavior) once they are at the location. Because of this, situating the trap in a location that will likely
attract bears because of nearby natural food sources, existing marking trees, or trails and travel routes
that appear to be or would predicted to be used by bears are all habitat features that can increase the
chances of success of the camera trap.
If in the process of scouting for a specific location for the camera trap, a team encounters a rub tree, large
animal carcass, or other feature that acts as a natural attractant for bears, this camera trap can be
constructed adjacent to the natural attractant.
Once an area has been selected (see above for guidelines), look specifically for a small clearing where a
debris pile can be created in the middle of it. Construct a pile of sticks, branches and woody debris. Pile
should be about 3 feet in diameter and similar in height with a mix of fine and course material and dense
enough so that the full liter of scent lure poured on it will have a lot of surface area to adhere to.
The pile should be constructed in a location where the remote camera can be attached to a tree about 15
feet away facing the pile. Ideally the camera will be facing roughly north to decrease the chances of the
sun triggering the camera and also avoiding backlighting animals which trigger the camera when they
visit the bait.
Follow general guidelines for remote camera trap installation in regards to situating the camera. Because
the scent lure used for these traps is so powerful it is vital that who ever is handling the bait does not
touch or go near the camera. Ideally one person can be responsible for handling the bait and another for
