Researchers To Set Up ‘Critter Cams’ To Snap Photos Of Elusive Animals

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore will take snap shots of otherwise elusive predator mammals later this summer.

There’ll be at least 30 “critter cams” put up later this summer on Stockton Island, an island known for one of the densest bear populations in the National Park System.

But Bob Krumanaker, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore superintendent, said it’s the other animals that they’re after. So, they’ll put up the cameras on wildlife trails.

“Animals use trails just like people do. Looking at predators, coyotes, fishers and bobcat and weasels, we almost never see them, but we know they’re out there so we’ll learn a little bit more about populations and habits,” he said.

Tim Van Deelen, UW-Madison wildlife professor, said their first move will be to find these hidden trails on Stockton.

“Big animals are as lazy as humans. We prefer to walk where we have more of a clear trail, where the topography is favorable. So, over time, game trails develop. Deer use them, bears use them, coyotes use them. Oddly enough, those become human trails,” Van Deelen said.

This two-year, $17,000 project will be a model for “Snap Shot Wisconsin.”

“It’s worth doing for me because the state of Wisconsin is looking at similar techniques on the mainland. So, we can make this sort of a test of concept for generating data for what would be a larger effort with the (state) Department of Natural Resources throughout Wisconsin,” he said.

Van Deelen said the motion-activated cameras will also probably capture a few hikers tromping through the woods.