272 | Field Studies: Noninvasive Wildlife Research for seeking out scat In addition to locating scats in the field, detection dogs have been trained to detect a variety of carnivore-related odors, including carcasses and the scent of burrowing animals such as black-footed ferrets (ReindlThompson et al., 2006) The Future of Noninvasive Carnivore Research A scat detection dog awaits her reward for locating a marten scat (Western Transportation Institute) Scat Detection Dogs Domesticated dogs, like their wild ancestors, have highly sensitive noses Conservation biologists have learned how to harness this sensitivity to find carnivore scats in forests and other natural settings (e.g., Long et al., 2007) With training methods similar to those used for narcotics and search-and-rescue dogs, scat detection dogs are taught to associate an enticing toy, a rubber ball on a string, for example, with scat from a particular species Dogs can search for scats over huge areas, and are generally far more effective than human searchers at finding samples Given the physical demands of this occupation, the best canine candidates are large, agile working breeds that have ample drive and energy They must also be very object-focused, as their reward-toy serves as an ongoing incentive The noninvasive methods described above enable wildlife researchers to closely examine the lives of secretive species that are typically unseen by people Given the many threats that carnivores face in our crowded world, the ability to assess and monitor wild populations is crucial if we are to ensure a future for this remarkable group of animals Although the responsible capturing and collaring of animals will continue to be necessary in some situations, a rapidly expanding toolbox of noninvasive alternatives is now available to field biologists These alternatives present an exciting opportunity to enhance our knowledge about carnivores while minimally disturbing them Further Reading Long, R A., Donovan, T M., MacKay, P., Zielinski, W J., and Buzas, J.S 2007 Effectiveness of scat detection dogs for detecting forest carnivores Journal of Wildlife Management 71:2007–2017 Long, R A., MacKay, P., Zielinski, W J., and Ray, J C 2008 Noninvasive survey methods for carnivores Washington, DC: Island Press Murie, O J 1954 A field guide to animal tracks Peterson Field Guide Series Boston: Houghton Mifflin Reindl-Thompson, S A., Shivik, J A., Whitelaw, A., Hurt, A., Higgins K F 2006 Efficacy of scent dogs in detecting black-footed ferrets at a reintroduction site in South Dakota Wildlife Society Bulletin 34:1435–1439