Capturing and Marking Raccoons for Individual Recognition in Camera Studies using Tail‐fur Clipping and Dyes

Abstract

I developed a method of marking raccoons (Procyon lotor) for individual recognition under trail camera surveillance using restraint cones, tail-fur clipping, and hair dyeing in an old field-agricultural habitat matrix in southwest Wisconsin, USA, during 2012 and 2018-2019. I live-trapped and marked 29 individual raccoons and monitored them using trail cameras during early May to mid-August. Fur-clipping and dye markings typically remained recognizable using camera imagery for approximately 2 months, depending on proximity to monitoring cameras, vegetation structure, and onset of the annual pelage molt; thus, these techniques have potential value in short-term field studies where individual animal histories are desired. The described procedure can be safely and quickly performed by a single person with minimal stress to the animal and does not require the administration of sedating drugs. Although restraining cones and similar marking methods have been used for decades, refinements specific to their combined use in raccoon-related camera studies are absent from published literature.