Setting Traps that Keep Animals Free
We are fortunate to have our friend and wildlife expert Katie Smith on the Deviled Eggery Advisory Board. As soon as we moved into this space, we knew we were going to need help and advice from someone who works in the field and knows about co-existing with wild animals.
Camera traps, also called trail cameras, are motion activated cameras. They use sensors to detect movement which automatically triggers the camera to capture and store photos or videos. Camera traps are battery (or solar) powered and can be left at remote locations for extended periods of time. They have become an increasingly valuable tool for wildlife research and monitoring. In her work as a wildlife biologist, Katie uses camera traps every week. With Katie’s help, we figured out the best cameras for our landscape and the best places to set them to capture images of the animals living among us.
Grey Fox
Katie said, “I was thrilled to set up camera traps at the Deviled Eggery! Camera traps are one of my favorite tools for wildlife research because they allow us a glimpse into nature with little to no disturbance to the life around it.” Katie graciously volunteered to spend a day studying our property, to observe what she could about animals residing and passing through here. She catalogued about a dozen birds, and found several wildlife trails that led to an “animal latrine,” a pile of animal waste left by several species of animals! According to Katie, a latrine provides both bodily relief and a way for animals to communicate and learn about the presence of each other - kind of like reading Facebook on the toilet! Katie recommended we set up a camera pointed a the latrine as a likely place to get some great wildlife photos.
Juvenile American Badger, a species of special concern in the county.
Our Deviled Eggery cameras have given us a non-intrusive look at some of the amazing animals we share this land with. Katie explained how far too often, humans encourage wild animals to approach them, causing these animals to lose their natural fear. This can lead to unfortunate situations where these animals become threatening to people, which is no good for the wildlife or the people.
Within a few months, we have documented coyotes, gray foxes, wild turkeys, raccoons, deer families, and the infamous American badger! This has helped us understand just how well used this land is already, and how much more it could be with the right stewardship that brings back habitat lost to poor land management practices.
mule deer