raccoons

Raccoon Field Guide

Equipment

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.

First Things: Preparing a Field Session

Immobilization

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.

Permits

Table of Contents Study Individuals Study IACUC Florida State exemption letter: _ Authorization number: 80-3527 Expires on July 31, 2021 Need to submit letter requesting renewal within 60 days of the expiration date. DEA License “Controlled substance registration certificate” DEA registration number: RB0526042 Expires on July 31, 2019 Need to submit letter requesting renewal within 60 days of the expiration date.

First Aid Supplies

Table of Contents DAN KIT Additional DAN KIT Keep track of supplies on the Airtable Database CPR Guide to Marine Medicine 1 Laerdal CPR face shield 1 pkg 10 Ammonia inhalants Stop Bleeding/Shock Instructions 2 5”x9” Trauma pad 2 pkg 2 4”x4” sterile gauze dressing 2 pair Nitrile gloves 2 BZK wound wipe 1 HeatSheet reflective blanket 56” x 84” Wound Care Instructions 1 pkg 10 Wound closure strips 1 irrigation syringe, 20cc 18 gauge tip 2 Providone Iodine 3/4oz (betadine) 2 Tincture of Benzoin topical adhesive swab 10 After cuts & scrapes wipe 4 Triple antibiotic ointment 1/32oz 7 pkg 2 Dressing.

Assessing Accuracy and Precision of GPS Units

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.

Field Safety

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.

Lab Work

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.

Handling Procedure

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).