about the wolverine tracking project (WTP)

Wolverine Tracking Project is a volunteer-powered community science project collecting data on rare carnivores and other wildlife in Mt. Hood National Forest. The name honors our origins. In 2003, the Forest Service asked local trackers to investigate reported wolverine sightings around Mt. Hood. While we never confirmed wolverines here, the search ignited something special.  The project has grown to incorporate three additional target carnivore species and now encompass not only tracking data, but also uses cameras and scat surveys as well. ​
​​The Wolverine Tracking Project provides a chance for volunteers to learn about forest wildlife, develop their outdoor skills, and connect with others, while helping with an important research project.  WTP collects data on four species of special concern in Oregon - wolverine, Sierra Nevada red fox, gray wolf, and Pacific marten. The data we collect is used by the Mt Hood National Forest, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other researchers to help guide wildlife and resource management and the establishment of protections for rare carnivores.

OVERVIEW OF WOLVERINE TRACKING PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Data is collected entirely by volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to connect with the wildlife and wild places around Mt Hood. We have multiple kinds of surveys that volunteers participate in including Wildlife Camera Surveys, Winter Tracking Surveys, and Scat Surveys.

camera SURVEY

Trail Cameras capture wildlife in their natural habitat. Volunteers maintain nearly 20 cameras in Summer and Winter. They visit the site every 3-5 weeks to apply fresh bait, swap the camera's memory card and batteries, look for genetic samples, and upload the photos.

winter tracking

Winter Tracking Surveys, led by experienced volunteer Tracking Leaders, take place most winter weekends and require snowshoes. Volunteers read footprints in the snow left by wildlife. Tracking tells about the presence of animals and insight about how they are using and interacting with an environment.

scat survey

Scat surveys are an important means of collecting information from otherwise elusive and difficult to study animals, making this survey method especially well-suited for the Wolverine Tracking Project's pursuit of rare carnivores in the Mt Hood National Forest.

VOLUNTEER ROLES OF THE WOLVERINE TRACKING PROJECT

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Thank you to our sponsors

The Wolverine Tracking Project is sponsored by Oregon Conservation Recreation Fund, National Forest Foundation, and the Jubitz Family Foundation.