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Considerations for relocating a camera trap
Selecting a camera trap location, preparing the site and setting the trap can be labor
intensive. Most of our target species have very large home ranges and even if they
occupy the habitat where the camera trap is set, they may not return to it for weeks or
even months. For both of these reasons once set, barring extraordinary circumstances,
camera traps should be left in place for at least one month. Extraordinary events might
include: large changes to the landscape where the camera has been set such as
logging, fire, snow pack changes, increase in human activity in the vicinity, or compelling
and time sensitive evidence of a much more promising location in the area being
surveyed.
After one month, it is reasonable to assess whether or not to continue to monitor the
specific area where you have set your camera trap or relocating it. Sites that have been
very active with a variety of other carnivore species might encourage you leave the
camera trap where it is currently located. Sets that have had a very low amount of
activity might suggest that you relocate the camera. Other considerations could also
include an abundance of other promising locations to monitor or conversely, the location
where it is currently set still appearing to be the most promising option.
Remember that when a camera trap is moved it becomes an entirely new camera
installation and needs to be labeled as such in all the data sheets and photo folders
submitted. See above for guidelines for labeling discreet installations. If you are using
the Coordinate recording feature in a remote camera be sure to reset the coordinates to
your new location when putting in a new installation.
