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Urban spaces and the suburbs that sprawl around them are growing worldwide, pushing some carnivore species into more remote regions, while forcing others to adapt to higher human densities. Increasing contact between humans and carnivores potentially leads to more human-carnivore interactions and increased concerns about risks to humans, whether real or perceived. The continued survival of urban carnivore populations, as well as a sense of security for the public, requires an increased understanding of, and coexistence with, these species.

Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle University have launched a project to explore how mammalian carnivores, such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, bobcats, and even cougars and bears live and interact with people across urban and suburban areas in the Seattle region, and beyond.

Since 2021, Bainbridge Island Land Trust has participated in this exciting initiative with volunteer-run camera traps on 3 of our preserves. This program contributes toward the knowledge base the Land Trust has been building from camera trapping since 2015, helping us to better understand the use of our Island habitats by wildlife. And we need your help! We’re currently recruiting volunteers to help carry out this project, allowing us to participate in the Seattle Urban Carnivore Project as well as to continue the Land Trust’s efforts to increase our knowledge of all local wildlife species – from squirrels to bears. If you’re interested, please read the assignment descriptions, decide on a role in which you would like to participate, and fill out the form below. Please note that we are currently recruiting field volunteers who are comfortable checking our camera traps in teams of three while following current social-distancing protocols.

We hope to soon announce volunteer opportunities for this project that will allow remote participation.

For complete descriptions of the volunteer roles needed, please click here.

Questions? 

Contact Development and Communications Coordinator Thea Hanner, here.