Northern Maine Wildlife Emphasizing The Rare And Undiscovered
We are currently studying the Canis species/subspecies in northern Maine, documenting and cataloguing their vocalizations that will be added to an academic database.
In concert with other researchers, Camp Oot-Oot is documenting Canis vocalizations in Maine.
We have compiled, and continue to add to, the most comprehensive high quality collection of howls and vocalizations ever put together in Maine that we are aware of. As of July, 2024 we have around 200 recordings from different locations. These recordings are in a database that includes GPS coordinates along with other pertinent information. We are currently working with leading bioacoustics experts in the US to learn all that we can from these howls. Overseas at a prominent university, another one of the worlds foremost bioacoustics experts will be proposing our work to his students as a base for their Senior Project
We currently use AudioMoth acoustic wildlife recorders to document Maine’s howls. We have several ‘basic’ recorders deployed, as well as a custom engineered and built unit that we are experimenting with. This unit has an upgraded microphone and added battery capacity in a larger case that will allow for further build additions/changes. These units are currently in the field, and our collection of vocalizations continues to grow exponentially as we fine-tune our techniques and add devices.
Click here to hear an example of a howl we recorded in northern Maine.
We have contributed genetic samples of Maine’s Canis for DNA analysis.
At another major university, a genetics laboratory is currently in the process of building an updated panel (specific, known animals contributing DNA that will be compared to study samples) that will be used to analyze the samples of hundreds of Maine Canis scat samples that have been collected and preserved, some of which we contributed. The results of this study will offer fresh insight into the genetic makeup of Maine’s Canis using the most updated and state of the art procedures. DNA research has evolved substantially in the past decade.
Check out some of our wildlife videos on FaceBook.
We have a lot of trail cameras, and collect hundreds of wildlife clips weekly. All sorts of interesting animals come by, and we share many of them. We generally post a new video clip every morning. See them here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092868535313
Camp Oot-Oot is private and closed to the general public. Trespassing on our property is forbidden.
Researchers and photographers visit from time to time with permission.
Email us at: research@mountchase.me
PO Box 42, Patten, Maine 04765
Above Camp Oot-Oot