Table of Contents Testing GPS Collars Radios Testing All GPS units should be tested for accuracy and precision before field use. This can be done by setting up mutliple test sites. Many factors can influence the GPS collars including vegetation density, type of vegetation, being below ground or under water, and being under or around man made structures.
Set up a test site at each habitat type to be tested.
Table of Contents After The Field At the end of the trapping week After The Field Before leaving each night run a quick check of equipment:
Are all controlled substances accounted for? All sharps disposed of? Ensure no traps are set. Is paperwork organized and complete? Is all other equipment accounted for? PIT reader, guns, and tags, GPS, scales Lights, pens, papers, anything else Lock controlled substances in safe and dispose of sharps Remember to charge/change batteries At the end of the trapping week Wash raccoon cover sheets and disinfect or replace table covers Have all paperwork organized and ready to enter Collect, clean, collapse all traps.
Table of Contents Tree Tops Park Memorial Hospital Pembroke Westside Regional Medical Center Emergency Room Venom One Miami-Dade Health Department Passport Health University of Florida Ft. Lauderdale Research & Education Center Welleby Veterinary Hospital Tree Tops Park (954) 357-5130 3900 SW 100th Ave. Davie, FL 33328 Memorial Hospital Pembroke (954) 962-9650 7800 Sheridan St. Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 Westside Regional Medical Center Emergency Room (954) 723-1400 3476 S University Dr.
Table of Contents Safety Initial/Vitals Bloodwork Immobilization Briefcase Bag Bag of Bags Raccoon Aid Sampling Measurements Collars and Tagging Tools Lab Bag Electronics Papers Won’t Fit in Bags Baiting Bags (x3) Truck Backup Supplies Trap Bag A supply checklist with supply levels can be found by logging in here.
Safety Nitrile Gloves 5 pairs LG 10 pairs SM & MD Earloop Masks (10) Goggles (5) DEET Work Gloves (4 pairs) Tomahawk Gloves Wipes First Aid Kit (Truck) Initial/Vitals Tongue Forceps Eye Ointment (2) Blindfold Thermometers (2) Space Blankets Timers (2) Air Temperature Bloodwork ¾” 22 Gauge Needles (15) 5-6cc Syringes (5) FTA Cards in Envelopes + Silica (5) FTA Card Shields (5) 2 cc Serum Red Vacutainers (5) 2 cc Anticoag.
Table of Contents Weather Working With Animals If you are Bitten or Scratched Raccoons and other potenially rabid animals Rabies Shot Locations Snakes Identification After treatment Insects Frogs and Toads Weather Although a rainstorm may just seem inconvenient, a wet, drugged animal may not be able to regulate its internal temperature well. Check current conditions and weather forecast: In some cases localized flooding or even flash flooding is possible.
Table of Contents In the Field Sampling In case of emergency In the Field Set and bait traps after the park closes. Check traps every few hours to ensure animals are not in too long. Raccoons have been known to escape our traps while unattended. Record the location of each trap and the bait used. Record capture success as well.
Once a raccoon is spotted, attempt to identify it via ear punches, unique features, and PIT tag (signal might be picked up in the trap once the raccoon is pressed).
Table of Contents Immobilization DEA Sharps Immobilization Chemical agents will be secured in a briefcase in the field Ketamine (MSDS) Xylazine (MSDS) Atipamezole (MSDS) 3⁄4” 22 gauge syringes Sharps disposal Supply checklist to go over every night Precalculated dosage chart Have all contact information in briefcase DEA Inventory An exact inventory must be taken as soon as the controlled substances are ordered.
Table of Contents Each Morning After Trapping Running Samples Later - DNA Extraction Directions Each Morning After Trapping Remember the lab grab bag, goggles, and keys! For all vials cover the written label with tape to prevent the label from being rubbed off. Hair samples and FTA cards can be stored at room temperature. Serum separator tubes must be centrifuged for 10 minutes, then they and anticoagulant tubes will be divided and placed in the -80 °C Freezer.