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For general wildlife survey camera traps along Interstate 90, space your camera traps at least 1
kilometer apart and attempt to set up the two cameras in distinctive habitats. This will help increase the
diversity of the wildlife captured on camera. Other considerations might include setting cameras on
opposite sides of the interstate, setting one on a trail that clearly leads to the road or a culvert under the
road, and a second in habitat a bit more distant from the road.
Servicing a Remote Camera Trap
Instructions for servicing a previously-installed camera trap
Getting to Camera Site
1. Use the site write-up, maps, written directions, GPS coordinates and photographs of the
area taken by the installation crew to locate your cameras. It might be helpful to take a copy
of the data sheet from the installation and/or previous visit, which may have useful notes on
it.
2. Be on the lookout for tracks, scat, or other wildlife sign on the way to the camera and if
encountered, document it according to the Wildlife Sign Documentation Protocol section
(below).
3. Look for flagging along the route and near the actual camera location if your team has
elected to place it.
4. If you move camera location for any reason, be sure to follow all the relevant instructions for
creating a new camera trap installation, including recording the location on the datasheet you
fill out.
Basic Overview of Camera Trap Check
1. Upon arriving, walk in front of the camera and trigger the motion sensor. This picture will
verify that the camera is working and also serve as a reference if the date/time is incorrect
(make sure to record the actual date and time of the check on your data sheet so that we
can crosscheck with the date/time on the photos when we download them in the office). If
the camera does not trigger, your batteries may already have died or your memory card is
full.
2. Unlock the cable lock to access the camera.
