Trail Cameras 101
NEVER USED A TRAIL CAMERA? NO PROBLEM.
Have you ever wondered what wildlife roams your local woods, backyard, or favorite hiking trail when you're not around? Trail cameras—also known as camera traps—offer a window into that hidden world. Whether you're joining a project like Snapshot NY or just curious about wildlife, trail cameras are your secret tool for discovery.
Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What Is a Trail Camera?
A trail camera is a weatherproof, motion-activated camera that captures images or video of wildlife in their natural habitat. These cameras are designed to sit quietly in one spot for days or weeks at a time, triggered only when an animal passes by.
They’re commonly used by hunters, researchers, conservationists, and nature lovers alike to study wildlife behavior, monitor species presence, or just get a glimpse into the lives of animals that are often too shy or nocturnal to observe directly.
What Do You Need?
To set up a trail camera, you'll need:
A trail camera – Choose one with good motion detection and night vision (infrared) capability.
Memory card – Usually SD cards; make sure it's compatible with your camera.
Batteries – Most trail cameras use AA batteries; lithium batteries last longer, especially in cold weather.
A strap or mount – To attach the camera securely to a tree, post, or structure.
For Snapshot NY participants, you’ll also need access to the Snapshot NY app to register your camera deployments.
Where Should You Place It?
Location is everything. Think like an animal! Good camera spots often include:
Game trails or animal paths
Natural funnels (narrow passages animals are likely to pass through)
Near water sources
Along the edges of forests and open areas
Near signs of wildlife activity (tracks, scat, scratching posts)
Tips for placement:
Position the camera about 1-2 feet off the ground for medium mammals.
Angle slightly downward if possible.
Clear away grass or branches directly in front of the lens to avoid false triggers.
Face North (or South) to avoid sun glare at sunrise/sunset.
How Do You Set It Up?
Most trail cameras have a simple setup process:
Insert batteries and memory card.
Use the menu to set the date, time, sensitivity, and image settings.
Secure it to a tree or post using the strap or mount.
Walk in front of the camera to test if it’s working properly.
For Snapshot NY, you’ll record the location and camera info in the app so researchers can track deployments across the state. For more detailed instructions see our protocols under the resources tab.
What Can You Expect to See?
Trail cameras have captured everything from the majestic to the unexpected:
White-tailed deer grazing at dawn
Coyotes on the move
Bobcats prowling through the snow
Raccoons and opossums on nighttime foraging missions
Even bears giving the lens a curious sniff!
One of the best parts? You never know what you'll find.
Why It Matters
Trail cameras do more than take cool pictures—they’re a vital tool for science. Data from trail cams helps researchers:
Track wildlife population trends
Monitor seasonal movement and activity patterns
Identify rare or elusive species
Study how animals use different habitats
When you participate in a project like Snapshot NY, your photos help build a statewide picture of mammal biodiversity that informs real conservation decisions.
Final Tips
Be patient — sometimes it takes a while for animals to appear.
Check your camera regularly (every 1–2 weeks) to swap batteries or memory cards.
Always respect wildlife and private property.
Label and organize your photos for easier sharing and analysis.
Ready to Start?
Join Snapshot NY, claim a grid cell, and set up your first trail camera. With a little curiosity and a simple camera, you can become a key part of New York’s wildlife monitoring network.