Using scent lures and camera traps to detect the presence and scent choices of mesocarnivores in urban parks

Abstract

This study assessed the presence of free-ranging cats (Felis catus) and other mesocarnivores in city parks using motion-activated cameras and determined which scent lures were more attractive to each species. Five cameras were used at each park to monitor four scent lures (used cat litter, catnip extract, commercial wildcat lure, and sardines) and a control (water). Cameras ran for 14 trap nights at each of the 24 surveyed parks (n=336 trap nights). Photographs were cataloged to determine the total sightings of each species per park and how many times each species investigated the lures. 14 species were detected with Sciurus niger, Procyon lotor, Canis lupus familiaris, and Didelphis virginiana being most common. Free-ranging cats were most attracted to used litter and sardines (t=0.034 and t=0.026, p<0.05, respectively). The strongest scent preferences were found for raccoons and wildcat lure (t=0.004, p<0.01), opossums and sardines (t=0.008, p<0.01), and squirrels and used litter (t=0.009, p<0.01).