Sometimes when I hike in the Santa Cruz mountains, I feel I’m being watched. Often, I discover wildlife hiding nearby. But sometimes I trace this feeling to a nearby game camera (also called a “trail camera”). These camera traps are set out by researchers working for the local land agency or for research programs like the Santa Cruz Puma Project.
The Viral Video
Game cameras catch amazing footage. A 12-second game camera video went viral earlier this year. It shows a coyote and badger traveling together. Partnerships like this are known. But it is amazing to see one animal wait for his friend as they cross underneath a busy freeway.
The video was collected close to where I live by Tanya Diamond and Ahíga Roger Snyder. I have had the pleasure of animal tracking with both of them.
Tanya and Ahíga are studying how humans can provide safe pathways for animals to move between wilderness areas. Our high-speed roads are deadly barriers that prevent animals from reaching habitat they need to survive. And as our towns and cities expand, habitat fragmentation is a growing problem.
I was delighted to see their important conservation work getting so much attention. You can read about it here. All because of a game camera…
Wildlife at the Arboretum
Here is another example of game camera video. The camera was set up by Michael Bolte at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanic Garden. In it you can see the tremendous variety of animals that call the region home.
Camera Trapping as a Hobby
Several years ago, I was studying with a prominent animal tracking instructor. Our small group consisted of several people whose hobby was “Camera Trapping.” I had never heard the term before. But I instinctively knew what they meant. Their passion was to catch dramatic video of wildlife using game cameras.
This hobby gets you out in nature, provides exercise, and has the allure of a treasure hunt. It’s certainly something you can do easily if you own property.
Purchasing a Game Camera
If you want to try camera trapping, you will need a game camera. Prices vary with the quality of the optics and number of features. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a game camera.
Detection range – The range at which a camera can detect passing animals and acquire a photo during daylight
Flash range – The range at which a camera can detect passing animals and acquire a photo at night
Trigger Speed – The amount of time it takes the camera to detect movement and snap the photo
Recovery Time – The amount of time it takes to capture the image, store it, and be ready to take the next picture
Image Resolution – The higher the resolution, the more detailed the images. Higher resolution images will take up more room on your hard drive.
Video capability – Some cameras only shoot photos, others can also capture video. Some cameras also capture sound with the video.
Flash type – Some cameras produce colorful images using visible flashes that can startle animals. Others use infrared or no flash at all. These produce grainier, less colorful images.
Do you Camera Trap?
Do you camera trap? Leave a comment below to let me know about your experience.
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Hi Steve, I have two Stealth Cams (G models). They seem capture image pretty well day and night.
That’s great Hal. I’ve heard from several readers who are having fun setting up game cameras and recording local wildlife.