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crosspiece of the run-pole in the frame as well. Although the chest and head area are our primary focus,
markings on the front feet of a wolverine can also be useful for distinguishing individuals (see Figures 5
and 6). A laser beam or pointer can also be used to help line up the camera.
9. Camera settings for Trail Watcher systems: Set flash to be ON at all times. Activity Mode = OFF. Set
time delay to 5 seconds with 1 picture per event. The best sensitivity setting for the distance at which the
camera will be from the end of the run-pole appears to be in the "low to medium" range (this will need to
be determined in the field at each camera station). These cameras can take very high resolution photos
(almost 4 MB each). 1-2 MB photos appear to have enough resolution for us to make individual ID and
determine sex and reproductive condition. Only set the resolution higher than 2 MB if you know for
certain that the camera card will not run out of room (remembering that you can obtain several hundred
photos in a 2-week period).
10. Check time and date settings. Trail Watchers do not have an option for setting a time and date stamp
on the photo. But the camera does have an internal clock, and you must make sure that is working
properly so that the correct date and time are associated with the file properties for each image that is
taken.
11. Take a photo of yourself next to the crosspiece at the end of the run-pole, and hold up a card with the
station number written on it with a black sharpie (to make sure it can be clearly seen in the photo). Before
you leave the site, make sure the flash goes off (if the camera system at that station has a flash; e.g., Trail
Watchers), and that the lens retracts.
12. If you have enough cameras to set up 2 at a site (1 as the run-pole camera [Trail Watcher] and 1 as a
backup/general camera [e.g., Reconyx]), we suggest the 2nd camera can be used to capture a wider view of
the site to document whether a wolverine might be visiting the site but not approaching the run-pole. See
Figure 7 for an example of how to set-up this arrangement.
Operating camera stations:
1. After the initial set-up, check the camera station within 1 week (without fail) to make sure everything is
working properly. Crews should always approach the camera stations carefully, checking for potential
wolverine tracks and genetic samples (hair and scat; see #8 below) and avoid disturbing any potential
wolverine tracks in the area.
2. After the initial 1-week check, check cameras every 2 weeks (3 weeks maximum) – do not check the
camera or replace the bait more frequently than every 2 weeks. The bait needs time to age (like a carcass
would), and a 2-week check schedule will also minimize disturbance at the site.
3. Every time the crew arrives at a camera station, have 1 person walk over to the end of the run-pole to
trigger the camera and take a photo of that person before anyone checks the camera. Same process if
there is also a Reconyx system at the site – make sure you trigger it before you check the camera. If a
camera is not working, record that information on your data form so that there is a permanent record that
the survey period was shorter than expected.
4. After arriving at a station and taking a check-photo, remove the memory card from each camera, enter
