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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) 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.
