Betsy Gaither

Camera traps are an innovative technological tool that helps researchers capture photos of animals in a particular environment. Camera traps utilize infrared sensors to snap photos when movement is detected (“Camera Traps,” 2014). The portability and easy use of camera traps have allowed researchers to identify unknown species, due to the ability to place camera traps in remote and unsettled environments. Camera traps are used by not only researchers, but citizen scientists! Local citizens can participate in conservation efforts, because of the accessibility and easy use of camera traps (Bolen, 2012). Camera trapping is a progressive method in monitoring species, which helps ignite conservation efforts worldwide! This technology connects researchers and citizen scientists directly to nature, which supports the notion that technology can be an instrumental tool used to connect people to the outdoors!