Right Place
(click on images to enlarge)



You can determine the right place by knowing were the animal will be.   You will find the right location by find evidence of where the animal has already been, and might return.



Tracks are great evidence.  The species of animal can be determined.



Possum
Racoon



Trails indicate an area that animals use frequently.  A large trail is not only used by the bigger animals, but it is probably used by a number of smaller animals.  This makes putting a camera next to a trail one of the best ways to see a number of different types of animals



Two trails merge

Coyote trail down the middle of maintained easement



Signs of of animal activity are evidence.  A trained eye can often identify species based on knowledge of specific animals.



Digs, holes and burrows

Scat
Additional signs include:  feathers, kills, scratching posts, trails, drag marks, sounds, scents and markings.



The camera should be placed a short distance from the evidence and oriented to take in the expected size and direction of travel of the animal when it comes.

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Another way of knowing the right place to set up a camera is by identifying a resource in the environment that the animal will likely visit in the future.  This is based on an understanding of the general needs of animals and specific needs of particular animals.



Streams provide fresh water and shoreline habitats

Ponds have still water and abundant shorelines






Plants are primary food sources

Animals often feed on just one or a few food types