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Fill out the camera check datasheet completely. Use a stout stick to deconstruct and
disperse the debris pile. Avoid getting residual scent lure on hands or gear. Ensure that
who ever is handling the remote camera does not approach or deal with the debris pile
in any way.
Genetic Sample Collection
Upon arrival at a remote camera trap for servicing or de-install, field teams should walk
in front of the camera to trigger it and capture an index photo which will note exact time
of arrival and thus inform the exact survey period the trap was operational. Before
disassembling the site, crews should review all the images stored on the memory card of
the camera. For remote cameras without an image viewing function, the card can be
viewed by inserting it into a standard digital camera. If the review of images reveals a
potential grizzly bear has visited the site and its behavior included rubbing on the debris
pile or nearby trees, it may be possible to collect hairs from the animal.
Carefully inspect the areas the animal rubbed (as seen in the photographs). Scan the
location from several different angles as hairs may pop out more clearly depending on
lighting and background. Every effort should be made not to touch the hairs directly as
this can contaminate them for DNA analysis. Ideally a sterilized tweezers would be used
to extract the hair(s). Deposit the hairs in a coin envelop (included in field kits provided
at trainings). Label the container clearly with the location, date, coordinates, and your
name (observer). Fill out a specimen collection datasheet.
Prevent contamination of genetic samples by using a clean pair of Nitrile gloves for each
sample. At any given camera station, you will not know whether the hair or scat
samples you find are from a single species or a single individual. Do not place samples
in plastic bags or other plastic containers. Plastic traps moisture which will ruin the
samples; thus, the genetics lab will not be able to extract DNA from the samples.
Completely label all samples with the date, GPS coordinates, name of camera station,
where the sample was found, and collector (refer to data sheet on the left for additional
details). When you return from the field, check samples to make sure they are labeled
properly and contact Conservation Northwest for instructions for delivering the material
to our project partners for analysis.
