Capturing Predators on Film : Tracking Wildlife

Animals in the Santa Monica Mountains may soon find themselves unwittingly participants of a photographic project designed to monitor their movements. About 50 cameras will be scattered throughout the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area.

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Camera: Sits a few feet off the ground in a protective box, camouflaged in mountain vegetation.

Target animals: Coyotes, bobcats, foxes, badgers and mountains lions.

Pressure plates: Connected to the camera with a cord, the weight of the animal lured to the plate by bait, scent lure or both releases the camera’s shutter.

Source: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area