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AUTHORS: Lisa Zoromski, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Cady Sartini, PhD., University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Robert Hanson, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Paul Petersen, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
ABSTRACT: Non-invasive sampling techniques may be impacted by site-specific variables such as prey availability. Track plates with the aid of lure or bait are relatively inexpensive and a commonly used non-invasive technique for sampling furbearers. Aquatic prey of many furbearers appear to congregate around water control structures, making these structures attractive areas to sample furbearer populations through non-invasive means. The purpose of this study was to compare furbearer detection at varying distances from water control structures at four wetland flowages at Crex Meadows Wildlife Area in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Chalked track plates with lure were placed along the dikes in 50-m increments up to 250-m away from water control structures. Track identification with plate distance from structures was recorded each morning from July 1-11, 2016. Chalk and lure were reapplied daily after each plate check. This sampling technique was shown as a simple and effective way of detecting furbearer tracks, with 13 plates visited, mainly by raccoon (Pryocyon lotor). Data are in the process of being analyzed. We predict that across the four flowages, track plates closer to structures will show higher detection of furbearers. Understanding site-specific factors that impact detection can help improve non-invasive sampling techniques, such as track plate placement from water control structures.
