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towns occurred adjacent to established roads, observers were able to obtain good visual <br /> spotlight coverage of these towns from a route or observation point on the road. This <br /> was possible since the 200,000 to 400,000 candlepower spotlights illuminated an area up <br /> to 200 yards away from the observer. In addition, vegetation cover present in most <br /> towns was relatively low and open as a result of the predominantly cultivated, pastured, <br /> or mowed land conditions existing within the study area. <br /> Because towns and complexes were widely dispersed and, in many cases, direct <br /> access between towns was prevented by multiple fence lines and irrigation ditches, <br /> spotlight surveys were conducted using 4-wheel all-terrain cycles. These vehicles <br /> enabled observers to move quickly between towns and obtain spotlight coverage of a <br /> majority of the towns within the time constraints specified by USFWS guidelines. The <br /> survey crew consisted of two observers, each on a 4-wheeled all-terrain cycle. Each <br /> observer was equipped with a helmet mounted 200,000 or 400,000 candlepower spotlight <br /> which permitted unrestricted, eye/head-coordinated illumination as the observers <br /> scanned an area and freed the observers' hands for safe vehicle operation. Each all- <br /> terrain cycle was equipped with an auxiliary, deep-cycle, 12-volt battery to power the <br /> spotlights and prevent excessive discharge of the vehicle's main battery. Spotlight <br /> batteries were recharged during the daylight period between surveys. <br /> Spotlight surveys were conducted by slowly traveling (1-2 mph) the predetermined <br /> survey route and systematically sweeping spotlight illumination through a 270' arc in <br /> an attempt to observe active ferrets or ferret green eye-shine. The spotlight was <br /> passed over each area at least twice before moving on to the next area. (It has been <br /> noted in the Meeteetse studies that a ferret's attention is gained on the first pass of the <br /> light, and it will then look at the light on the second pass.) In many instances, the size <br /> and juxtaposition of surveyed towns facilitated coverage by both observers permitting <br /> 5 <br />