Field Studies in Natural History--Bait Attraction Study in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Mengal, Megan

Field Methods: This is a continuation of the initial study we began in August 2014. We will establish 12 or 15 baits sites. Each site will be equipped with a motion activated game trail camera. Each site will have a randomly assigned bait choice. Choice will be - donuts, donuts and pepper spray, sardines, sardines and pepper spray, no bait (control). The observation period will last one week. This project will be conducted in conjunction with a field studies class I teach at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (GSMIT). The study period will be 3 August - 8 August, 2014. The study will be conducted primarily in Cades Cove. Some cameras with random baits as described above may be placed along Tremont and Upper Tremont Road at sites used during the 2013 trial. Sites in Cades Cove will be placed at approximately 1-mile intervals around the loop road beginning about 1/2 mile from the entrance kiosk and gate. One camera site may be placed on Sparks Lane and one on Hyatt Lane. Cameras and baits will not be placed within 1/2 of cabins, cemeteries or visitor attractions. Cameras and bait will be placed a minimum of 50 yards from the road if possible and out of sight of visitors. Cameras will be marked with a GPS receiver but will not be physically marked in any way. All material will be removed at the end of the week. Cameras will be set to capture digital images of all wildlife visiting the bait. Pictures will be taken in 3-shot bursts. Cameras will be placed 2-2.5 feet above ground, pointed north and secured to a tree with a nylon web strap and steel cable with lock. Cameras will be labeled with an identifying University of Georgia tag with phone number.