Have you ever spotted a camera while visiting an EALT Conservation Land? No, we’re not spying on visitors – these cameras are a vital part of our stewardship work and help us monitor wildlife. Read on to learn why we use cameras and to see some wildlife highlights from 2024!
Why Use Wildlife Cameras?
Wildlife cameras are equipped with a motion sensor to automatically take pictures of wildlife and are designed to withstand outdoor conditions including heat, rain, frost, and snow. These features mean that wildlife cameras are an easy, minimally invasive way to monitor wildlife: we can set a camera on a Conservation Land to monitor wildlife for an extended period with very little disturbance to the animals. Cameras can capture elusive species as well as behaviours we may not otherwise see.
Spring
The warming weather and greening landscape brings a flurry of wildlife activity to Alberta in the spring. Migratory birds return to their summer nesting and feeding grounds, while some species of mammal emerge from their winter dens. Other mammals, like hares, shed their white winter coats to a mottled brown summer coat. Male deer sporting velvet-covered antler buds are also a common sight in this season.
Summer
Alberta’s short summers bring a brief season of abundance. In our summer camera highlights, fawns trail after their mothers and a black bear appears to revel in the sun. Last summer also brought a first for an EALT camera: an American badger! Badgers are icons of the grasslands and were historically limited to the southern regions of Alberta; however, there is a growing population of badgers in the Edmonton region. They may be drawn north by increasing populations of pocket gophers (a favourite meal), and the warming climate may also be driving a northward expansion of the badger’s range.
Fall
Autumn is heralded by changing colours and cooler weather. For Alberta’s deer, fall means it’s mating season, also known as the rut. Males show increased interest in females and will compete for their attention. They may scrape the ground with their hooves or rub trees with their antlers – and they may challenge other males to combat. The image of posturing bull elk was a high point for EALT’s fall camera photos, as well as a Great Grey Owl snagging a meal, a set of moose twins, and a very impressive porcupine.
Winter
While many animals migrate to avoid the harsh conditions of winter, there are those that remain in the province year-round. Some, like skunks, retreat to dens to sleep through the coldest temperatures while others remain active. Deer browse on woody twigs and winter buds, coyotes form new pairs and packs, and cougars, protected by a thick winter coat, may travel long distances in search of food.
Our stewardship work is made possible through the efforts of dedicated volunteers. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all volunteers who helped monitor our wildlife cameras and process wildlife photos. If you would like to get involved, visit our Volunteers page to learn about opportunities.