Camera Trapping

RMCC’s experience with camera traps began with the mountain lion research conduced by Dr. Hunter and Caroline Krumm, which began in 2003. One of their research objectives was to test the efficacy of non-invasive camera traps as an alternative approach to invasive trapping and radio-collaring. Like other studies of that time, they learned that camera traps perform certain tasks efficiently but are limited when details are needed on animal movement, prey preference, breeding behavior, and recruitment.

For example, RMCC's research using camera traps has revealed crucial information about territorial ranges and the effects of human encroachment.

Following after RMCC’s live animal study of mountain lions, they found camera traps an inspirational tool for engaging students and community volunteers. With the help of Melinda Merrill, an enterprising Estes Park science teacher, they approached the historic MacGreagor Ranch to establish a wildlife monitoring project where students regularly checked cameras set up around the ranch. This highly successful project morphed into what became, Communities, Cameras, and Conservation (CCC), one of RMCC’s hallmark programs. CCC spread to other Front Range communities and to local parks where volunteers became the camera checkers. With thousands of wildlife images collected each year, RMCC initiated a companion program aimed at sharing with the public at large the best-of-best images: Wild x Wild - Photographs of Wildlife by Wildlife (Wild x Wild). For more than ten years Wild x Wild galleried images for free public viewing at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Wild x Wild and CCC touched thousands of students, community volunteers, and resource management staff, remaining popular up until the Covid pandemic. RMCC’s future plans call for revitalizing both programs in 2025.