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o Date
o Location name
o Observer name
o GPS coordinates and map datum
Individual tracks
Take a photo looking directly down at track to reduce distortion. Include two scales, preferably rulers, one
running lengthwise and the second running widthwise. Collapsible ski poles with visible cm calibrations
also work.
Track patterns, trails, and other signs
Include a scale of some sort. This may mean you leave the scale you used for an individual track on the
ground by that track (thus also giving a reference for where the individual track sits in the pattern). Try to
take a picture looking directly down at the trail to reduce distortion. If this is impossible due to the size of
the trail, include scales both near and far to account for distortion. Including a person in a photo can help
with scale for larger frames. Also consider taking pictures of people looking at the tracks or sign, or
pictures that show the tracks in the context of the location they are found to accompany the detail
pictures.
Trailing and Specimen Collection (Optional/Recommended)
Assuming time and safety permit, attempt to follow the animal's trail in both directions for as long as
possible. Trailing is carried out for two reasons:
● To collect more geographic information on the potential target species' trail.
● To search for and collect specimens that can be used for DNA analysis (e.g. hairs or
scats).
If you are able to locate and collect a genetic specimen related to tracks that you have photo-
documented, carefully collect the specimen following the same guidelines laid out for our
camera traps (http://www.conservationnw.org/what-we-do/northcascades/pdf-reports-and-
forms/2010_wolverine-protocol-1).
Out of the Field
Once you come out of the field, contact Conservation Northwest for specific instructions on how to
handle delivery of materials (photographs, specimens). Immediate communication is highly valued.
Strong evidence may solicit a hasty follow-up response in the area of discovery which might include
setting up/resituating remote cameras and hair snags, or follow-up tracking surveys.
