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8. If there is evidence that a wolverine has visited the station (e.g., tracks or a
photo-detection), the crew should carefully inspect the area around the station for scats
and hair (see Figure 8). If a wolverine accesses the run-pole, there is a good chance that
they left hair on the run-pole arm. So it is important to inspect that surface for potential
hair samples to collect. Please collect any possible wolverine scats or hair according to
the directions on the NCWS's Genetic Sample Data Form (see page 15). To prevent
potential contamination of genetic samples, wear Nitrile gloves to collect samples and
place them in collection bags or envelopes. Always use paper bags for scats (a separate
bag for each scat) and paper collection envelopes for hair (never plastic bags which can
trap moisture and ruin the samples for DNA extraction). When using a gun-brush hair-
snagging device, place each gun-brush that has a potential sample into a separate paper
envelope (or small paper bag).
9. Back in the office, immediately download all photos into separate folders (do
not delete any photos from the memory cards for any reason). Create a folder for each
camera station and camera device and subfolders for each check date. Example: if there
are 2 cameras at Easy Pass (a Trail Watcher and a Reconyx) create 2 folders
"EasyPassTW" and "EasyPassRx". If you have 2 of the same camera type at a station,
name the folders as follows: e.g., "EasyPassTW1" and "EasyPassTW2". Within each of
these folders, create subfolders for each camera visit. The subfolder name should be the
dates that go with that camera check; e.g., Feb9-Feb19. Immediately back up images on a
CD, DVD, or another hard drive.
10. Back in the office, immediately make a copy of the data form for each camera
station that was checked.
11. Back in the office, immediately make sure any genetic samples that were
collected are processed and mailed according to instructions on the Genetic Sample Data
Form (see page 15). This includes using desiccant to remove any moisture from the
samples; do not refrigerate or freeze samples and do not place them in plastic bags for
mailing. Notify CNW staff so that the samples can be mailed as soon as possible to Keith
Aubry or Cathy Raley at the Pacific Northwest Research Station, Olympia, WA. The
NCWS's Genetic Sample Data Form can be used or modified by CNW to record
detailed data on each genetic sample collected by volunteers. If so, please include a copy
of the completed form when sending labeled genetic samples to Keith or Cathy.
Literature cited:
Aubry, K.B., J. Rohrer, C.M. Raley, R.D. Weir, and S. Fitkin. 2012. Wolverine
distribution and ecology in the North Cascades Ecosystem – 2012 Annual Report
(November 21, 2012). < http://wolverinefoundation.org/resources/research-
reports/ >
Copeland, J. P., K. S. McKelvey, K. B. Aubry, A. Landa, J. Persson, R. M. Inman, J.
Krebs, E. Lofroth, H. Golden, J. R. Squires, A. Magoun, M. K. Schwartz, J. Wilmot, C.
L. Copeland, R. E. Yates, I. Kojola, and R. May. 2010. The bioclimatic envelope of the
