2012 will mark the 3rd year of remote camera wildlife monitoring in Banff National Park. Approximately 40 motion-activated cameras are mounted on trees or encased in rock cairns along hiking and game trails throughout the 6,500 km2 park. Every time something passes the camera’s infrared beam – click - an image is captured.
Compared with traditional wildlife research techniques like radio-collaring, the “camera trap” is non-invasive and comparatively cheap. Researchers analyze the data using a method called occupancy modeling. Not only are some of the images of wildlife stunning, but tracking wildlife populations over the long term helps managers make decisions about issues like trail use, species reintroduction (e.g. caribou and bison) and prescribed fire.
With no one actually behind the remote camera, these images offer a rare and privileged view of wild animals going about their everyday lives.
Wild Images on video! Go into the field with one Banff National Park's Resource Conservation staff.