Wolverine Tracking Project
Learn about wildlife while helping survey for rare carnivores on Mt Hood.
The Wolverine Tracking Project is a community science project in which volunteers collect valuable data on rare carnivores around Mt Hood.
Cascadia Wild trains volunteers to monitor the forest for wolverine and other rare carnivores, the Forest Service and other land management agencies get the information they need to help protect these species, and volunteers get to increase their own knowledge, build community, and have fun.
The project was started by a group of local Portland trackers, who wanted to put their skills to use following up on rumors of lynx on Mt Hood. While the rumors turned out to be false, the project took root and has become a valuable partnership between Cascadia Wild and the Mt Hood National Forest.
How to Participate
We carry out three different types of surveys: snow tracking, cameras, and scat surveys. You can participate in any of these surveys. All of these methods are important non-invasive ways to study wildlife.
Snow Tracking
Learn the art of animal tracking and read the footprints left behind in the snow. Snow tracking surveys are done on snowshoes, lead by experienced volunteer trip leaders. Trips take place most winter weekends from mid December to the end of March; after attending the training, we ask that you come on at least two trips, but you may come on as you like. These trips provide a place for new and experienced trackers alike to learn new tracking skills and get together with like minded people. Read more about snow tracking surveys.
Animal tracking is a skill that can take a couple years to become proficient at. Because of this, we also have an 8-month trip leader training program.
Wildlife Cameras
Trail cameras capture pictures that are both exciting to look at as well as provide important information on wildlife use. Camera volunteers are assigned to a group of 6-8 people, with each group responsible for maintaining a camera for either the summer or winter season. Cameras need to be visited every three weeks and the group can organize who goes out when. Read more about the camera surveys.
Scat Surveys
If you are out hiking any portion of the Timberline Trail, help out by looking for red fox scat while you hike. Scat provides genetic samples that can help researchers answer important questions about the fox's population size and connectivity. Read more about scat surveys.
Kids Policy
Families are encouraged to participate. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We usually have snow tracking trips specifically geared toward families.
Goals of the project
Surveys are designed to carry out long term studies of rare carnivores in the Mt Hood National Forest. We are looking especially for signs of wolverine, wolf, Sierra Nevada red fox, and marten. Knowing the status of these animals is an crucial first step in protecting them. The data we collect is used directly by the Mt Hood National Forest in their management planning, Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife, Defenders of Wildlife, as well other researchers. Read more about our target species and survey objectives.
The Wolverine Tracking Project has three goals:
We carry out three different types of surveys: snow tracking, cameras, and scat surveys. You can participate in any of these surveys. All of these methods are important non-invasive ways to study wildlife.
Snow Tracking
Learn the art of animal tracking and read the footprints left behind in the snow. Snow tracking surveys are done on snowshoes, lead by experienced volunteer trip leaders. Trips take place most winter weekends from mid December to the end of March; after attending the training, we ask that you come on at least two trips, but you may come on as you like. These trips provide a place for new and experienced trackers alike to learn new tracking skills and get together with like minded people. Read more about snow tracking surveys.
Animal tracking is a skill that can take a couple years to become proficient at. Because of this, we also have an 8-month trip leader training program.
Wildlife Cameras
Trail cameras capture pictures that are both exciting to look at as well as provide important information on wildlife use. Camera volunteers are assigned to a group of 6-8 people, with each group responsible for maintaining a camera for either the summer or winter season. Cameras need to be visited every three weeks and the group can organize who goes out when. Read more about the camera surveys.
Scat Surveys
If you are out hiking any portion of the Timberline Trail, help out by looking for red fox scat while you hike. Scat provides genetic samples that can help researchers answer important questions about the fox's population size and connectivity. Read more about scat surveys.
Kids Policy
Families are encouraged to participate. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We usually have snow tracking trips specifically geared toward families.
Goals of the project
Surveys are designed to carry out long term studies of rare carnivores in the Mt Hood National Forest. We are looking especially for signs of wolverine, wolf, Sierra Nevada red fox, and marten. Knowing the status of these animals is an crucial first step in protecting them. The data we collect is used directly by the Mt Hood National Forest in their management planning, Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife, Defenders of Wildlife, as well other researchers. Read more about our target species and survey objectives.
The Wolverine Tracking Project has three goals:
- Carry out surveys that increase the knowledge base on which wildlife management decisions are made
- Encourage people's involvement with their local national forest
- Teach participants about the natural world
Findings
Read more about what we have found.
Wolverine need protection
Follow this link to find out what is being done to protect wolverine and other rare species.
Read more about what we have found.
Wolverine need protection
Follow this link to find out what is being done to protect wolverine and other rare species.
