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ascertain the presence of animals in these areas and, if detected, collect genetic samples to
understand their relationship to known populations in the region.
Additionally, CWMP maintains ongoing monitoring stations in the southern portion of the North
Cascades Ecosystem in an attempt to document unique individuals from this population through
genetic samples and photographs which display unique identification features on the chest of
individual wolverines. Finally, as a citizen science project, this monitoring program aims to educate
and engage citizens of the region in research and conservation of this sensitive species and the
habitat it occupies.
Safety Considerations
Because many wolverine survey areas are in remote roadless and trail-less high elevation locations,
volunteers with sufficient general backcountry skills are required for these installations.
Additionally, for winter monitoring, some locations may present significant avalanche hazards. As
with all of our volunteers, CWMP recruits individuals with sufficient skills to comfortably carry out
the field tasks and helps identify the field hazards that maybe present for volunteers but does not
train or evaluate volunteers stated skill set.
Wolverine habitat overlaps significantly with grizzly bear and black bear habitat and survey tasks
such as traveling through the backcountry with bait and powerful scent attractants could
theoretically increase the chances of an encounter with a bear by field teams. CWMP provides all
field teams with bear spray and training on how to use it and manage bear encounters.
When ever in the field in bear country, especially when carrying attractants or searching for natural
attractants, field teams should carry bear spray in a readily accessible location (e.g. on your hip)
and be trained and prepared to use it. A group of people is less likely to be accosted by a bear.
Making noise and keeping at least one person assigned to be a lookout can help reduce the
likelihood of surprising or being surprised by a bear.
Camera Trap Site Selection-General Location
CWMP maintains a series of established monitoring locations in the North Cascades Ecosystem
where wolverines have been documented repeatedly over the past several years. New installations
are established in other areas in an attempt to document the species in new locations in the region.
For new installations, CWMP project leadership identifies a general location for camera traps to be
installed. Once in the field, field teams must select the microhabitat location appropriate for
establishing the camera trap. These installations are selected based on recent sighting reports (of
tracks or actual animals) provided by the public, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
