Critter Cams Installed Around Culver City To Monitor Coyotes

CULVER CITY, CA — Researchers from Loyola Marymount University and the Culver City Police Department recently installed "critter cams" to monitor coyote and other wildlife behavior and movement patterns within the city, the City of Culver City announced Tuesday.

The automated camera systems will help the Loyola scientists to develop an effective Coyote Management Plan unique to Culver City, as they monitor the movement and composition of coyote groups throughout the city.

The cameras record all movement within their capture range (approximately 100 feet), and produce full-color still photos during the day and black and white still photos at night. They will be placed on public land and be solely used to monitor animal movement, capturing up to 1,000 images each week, the City said. The majority of images will be deleted as they capture content that is not relevant or of interest to the City's effort, the press release said.

If residents see one of the small cameras fixed to a tree or light post, don't disturb it, the City said. Vandalized cameras should be reported to Loyola Marymount University Researcher Dr. Melinda Weaver at 310-258-4384 or Melinda.Weaver@LMU.edu immediately so it can be replaced.

The City invites residents to participate in the study by having a camera installed in your yard or similar vicinity. For more information, visit Culver City's Coyote Management Program website.

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