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attract bears because of nearby natural food sources, existing marking trees, or trails and travel routes
that appear to be or would predicted to be used by bears are all habitat features that can increase the
chances of success of the camera trap.
If in the process of scouting for a specific location for the camera trap, a team encounters a rub tree, large
animal carcass, or other feature that acts as a natural attractant for bears, this camera trap can be
constructed adjacent to the natural attractant.
Once an area has been selected (see above for guidelines), look specifically for a small clearing where a
debris pile can be created in the middle of it. Construct a pile of sticks, branches and woody debris. Pile
should be about 3 feet in diameter and similar in height with a mix of fine and course material and dense
enough so that the full liter of scent lure poured on it will have a lot of surface area to adhere to.
The pile should be constructed in a location where the remote camera can be attached to a tree about 15
feet away facing the pile. Ideally the camera will be facing roughly north to decrease the chances of the
sun triggering the camera and also avoiding backlighting animals which trigger the camera when they
visit the bait.
Follow general guidelines for remote camera trap installation in regards to situating the camera. Because
the scent lure used for these traps is so powerful it is vital that who ever is handling the bait does not
touch or go near the camera. Ideally one person can be responsible for handling the bait and another for
the camera.
Putting out the scent lure should be the absolute last thing you do at the camera trap location.
Completely construct the entire debris pile and set up the remote camera and test it first. Fill out the
camera check datasheet completely. Once the camera is set with all the appropriate settings and situated
facing the debris pile correctly, turn on the camera and close it. Then have one person open up the scent
lure and apply it to the debris pile and any overhanging structure available.
If possible constructing the debris pile around a tree sapling or snag or under the overhanging branches
of a nearby tree will give additional surface area to attach scent lure too. In this instance pour a small
amount of the attractant higher on the tree or dip a branch or frond from the overhanging branch into
the lure before pouring the remainder over the debris pile. Be sure that wherever you place scent lure is
within the field of view of the remote camera and activity there will trigger the camera.
