The American Burying Beetle, commonly referred to as ABB and previously known as the giant carrion beetle, was listed in 1989 as an endangered species. Habitat loss, degradation and alteration are believed to have caused the species decline.

ABB is a short-lived, nocturnal species (active at night) that is seasonally active from mid-May to mid-September and spends the rest of the year buried in the soil. The survey is designed to monitor the status of the ABB within the state tract's boundaries during the species' active season.

This survey is conducted on a large scale and involves the following:

- Surveying 66 sites annually throughout the property.
- Trapping beetles with baited pit fall traps at established sites following
the guidance outlined by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Marking captured ABBs with a specific identification mark before release.
- Comparing annual survey data to previous surveys.

The following ABB data is reported to the state land managers and the US Fish and Wildlife Service: total captures; captures per night; age and sex of each ABB captured; recaptures; movement patterns; habitat use; and population density at specific areas of the property. This information allows facility managers to determine the best areas in which to conduct specific activities and have a minimal impact on ABB population.

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