Kari, I have been using digital still picture remote systems for the past couple of years. The best quality photos have come from Trailmaster systems, who will build you a digital camera which will work with both their passive (heat and motion) and active (laser beam) systems. Cost for the systems would be between $700-$800, but be prepared to wait for they can be terribly slow for custom models. They also make a video unit (expensive, but probably very good). My experience with infrared still systems is poor quality > 10' away, and not applicable to distinguish between individuals. Flash cameras may or may not deter many species from return visits, including bears. I have captured the same individuals over and over again. Another researcher using these systems may have a different opinion. My opinion is based on anecdotal observations, and my study is not designed to test this.
It seems to me that if you are primarily concerned with behavioral data, video is a must. I am not sure how well you will be able to distinguish individuals with IR light unless they are tagged with something obvious. However, a bright traditiona light shining for several minutes may be enough to change the bears behavior. The effect of artificial light (game cameras) on wildlife behavior has not to my knowledge been systematically studied. Considering how prevalent hunters, researchers, and others use game cameras, this is a relevant and important question that needs to be addressed. Security is another issue. You will have thousands of dollars of gear (and your data) at a "remote" site. No place is secure as remoteness continues to decrease. If you are planning to check the cameras every other day, I imagine that your site probably isn't that remote and is accessible (legally or illegally) to the public. I have had locked cameras stolen at "backcountry" sites in NPS units that were closed to the public. Not trying to discourage you, just be aware that thieves are not deterred by boundaries and/or biological monitoring signs. If you decide to use still photos, I may suggest a trailmaster digital camera (5 megapixel) with the active 1550 unit. You can better set up the system at various heights to target specific species so you don't photograph unwanted species. Also consider setting up your site so as to draw or encourage the bears to follow a dominant pathway to access the food. Place your camera set up here and at the best angle to capture identification marks/patterns. You will also need good photo enhancing software. Adobe Photoshop works well for my purposes. Hope his helps and feel free to contact me directly with questions and/or bear pics using different camera set ups. Brandon Original Message From kari signor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ===== >Hello all - > >Does anyone have much experience with using digital game cameras/video >recorders in the field? I have used 35mm versions before, but photo quality >was not that great. > >I am placing cameras up at remote garbage bin sites to look at black bear >use/feeding behavior as part of a food aversion conditioning project. We >are hoping to be able to identify some individuals, so I am looking for >cameras that will provide good quality photos and/or video during all hours >of the day. I am trying to avoid using a flash so as not to attract more >attention to the cameras by these already curious critters... > >I have looked at several makes so far (Camtrakkers, Cuddebacks, M.A.D. >Wildlife Eye video recorders). Any recommendations? What are some issues >you have encountered, other things I should consider? It would be ideal to >have the capability for infrared night images and video. I expect to check >cameras every other day or so, so card storage space shouldn't be too >problematic. Thanks very much, in advance! > >Regards, > >Kari D. Signor >Master's Candidate >Forest, Range and Wildlife Sciences >Utah State University >Logan, UT 84322 >(928) 699-7643 > >_________________________________________________________________ >Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee® >Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 Brandon Holton Environmental Sciences and Policy Northern Arizona University
