I’ve spent years exploring backroads, searching for wildlife in its natural habitat. Photographing black bears and alligators in the Carolinas, or griz and moose in Alaska provides unforgettable moments. Seeing beavers, otters and eagles in local parks like Huntley Meadows or Mason Neck is always a treat.
However, since what my wee granddaughter calls “The Big Germ” reined in everyone’s travel this year, I’ve found a surprising array of four-footed critters roaming through my quarter-acre lot in the heart of Alexandria.
Who knew that opossums, foxes, raccoons and rabbits use our middle-of-the-block lot as their nightly personal pathway to wherever? For some reason, they never seem to meet each other. We joke that maybe there’s a master time-slot scheduler at work. “Fox exit left to alley at 2 a.m.; raccoon family enter stage right by firepit at 3:15 a.m.,” etc.
FINDING NIGHTTIME CRITTERS IN YOUR YARD
There’s no need to lurk stealthily in the bushes at 4 a.m. waiting for furry trespassers. Documentation can be captured remotely by some small helpers — lightweight, inexpensive trail cameras or “cams.” The art of using these rugged, weather-resistant, motion-activated cams is called “camera trapping.” In other words, you are not interfering with an animal’s natural movement or behavior, nor are you baiting them with food. You’re just gathering information.
Wildlife trail cams are often used by hunters, but also serve as extra eyes for nature lovers and researchers. They can record videos, still photos or both, depending on your settings.
Pop in some good quality batteries and a memory card, set the mode and timing, then tie the cam to a tree, fence or deck post on your property. Checking your cam periodically is fun low-cost entertainment — like opening a box of surprises each time.
Neighbors and their kids have joined us in observing the antics and behavior of adorable chipmunks or wondering why numerous traveling cats mosey on through the yard rather than taking advantage of the free and plentiful mice scurrying around.
We found a mom raccoon with five kits living under our shed; a fox pair — one with a limp — passing through almost nightly; and a runaway dog, dragging its leash, sniffing around under our deck. (Fortunately, it was returned to its owner before we could post the video.)
Our cams exposed some plant-nibbling culprits — two cute bunnies. Once, a wee opossum (called a joey) showed up alone for several nights, with no parent in sight. While it appeared old enough and able to fend for itself, we did some research. Apparently, if a joey falls off its mother’s back, she just keeps on going… not stopping to see if it’s OK… probably not even noticing it’s gone. Well, since they eat mice and ticks, the joey is more than welcome to stay.
Another video showed a raccoon walking gingerly on what seemed to be a sore front paw, so we consulted a local wildlife expert. We learned that when wild animals look healthy and are coming and going as this one and the young opossum did, local wildlife centers don’t interfere.
Animals can usually handle routine injuries. If we ever find one that is showing serious signs of distress, lethargy, pain or illness, we will contact a rescue group for guidance.
Trail cams have opened a world of wonder just outside our door. Each new sighting teaches us more about animal behavior, how beneficial they can be, and how lucky we are to be coexisting in the city with amazing wildlife. Just recently we heard of a local family whose wildlife cam photographed a piebald deer in their yard. (Less than 2 percent of whitetail deer are piebald, characterized by a lack of pigment.) Oh to be so lucky!
Trail Cam Tips for Beginners
Trail cams come in many styles — from basic traditional ones under $100 to cellular wonders costing hundreds of dollars each. If you are a beginning backyard sleuth, the simpler the better. Online reviews and YouTube videos will help narrow your choice.
Understand the Terminology:
Trigger speed is how fast filming takes place once movement is detected. Less than one second can help prevent missing some of the action.
Recovery time: How quickly the cam is ready for the next picture or video after taking one.
Detection zone – range of the area in which the cam will pick up motion.
“No-glow” vs. “low-glow,” how visible the infrared illumination will be to animals or humans at night.
Sensor sensitivity – look for adjustable settings – too high, you’ll capture an SD card full of branches and grass swaying in the breeze.
Battery life: Good quality alkaline batteries are OK in warm weather, but lithium batteries, while more expensive at outset, will give longer life – especially in cold weather.
