Learn Wildlife Tracking and Help Document Rare Carnivores on Mt Hood

Learn wildlife tracking and help document rare carnivores on Mt Hood National Forest this winter!

Training: November 3, 6:30-8:30pm, online
Introduction to Wildlife Tracking Class (highly recommended for all new volunteers): November 10, 6:30-8:30 pm, online
Survey trips: December through March

The winter tracking surveys are part of the Wolverine Tracking Project, a long-term community science project studying rare carnivores in Mt Hood National Forest.

• Learn to identify animals based on their tracks and signs.
• Learn about and help protect our native wildlife
• Gain field-based research experience
• Help search for wolverine and wolves, study the distribution of rare montane red fox, and document other resident carnivores.

Tracking - interpreting the footprints and other sign wild animals leave behind - can open your eyes to a whole new world, as you are able to tell the presence of animals that can't be observed directly. The tracking surveys are a place to learn this valuable skill, while at the same time, helping out in an important research project. Tracking is an important skill for anyone looking to get into conservation, wildlife biology, environmental science and resource management, or for anyone looking to develop a deeper connection and understanding with the natural world.

Tracking surveys are done on snowshoes, in groups lead by an experienced volunteer Tracking Leader. Survey trips are all day trips, starting on the mountain at 9:00am and ending around 3:30pm. Surveys follow designated one mile-long transects, and happen almost every weekend from December through March. We ask volunteers to commit to helping on at least two trips during the season. 

Qualifications:

• Reliable and have time to help with at least 2 surveys during the season, December through March
• Transportation to Mt Hood National Forest and comfortable driving in winter conditions.
• Able to snowshoe at least two miles
• Comfortable working outdoors in the winter
• Able to pay attention to detail and accurately follow survey protocol

For more information and to register: www.cascadiawild.org/winter-tracking.html