I’m never entirely sure what will and won’t trigger the game camera. What is certain, though, is that predators at least can see the IR flash. I’ve never gotten a nighttime pic of a coyote who wasn’t reacting to the camera even if nowhere near it.
In this collection of stills we’ve got a coyote rapidly exiting stage left, and then there’s a couple of pics of what appears to be a bobcat, right at the left edge of the frame and also leaving the neighborhood without delay, an hour and a half later on the same night. Both are pretty clearly aware of the camera.
![0352:032118:32F:0000:TUAK1 :1E[073:1399]G[064:0x007f]](http://joelsgulch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_0035.jpg)
![0504:032118:29F:0000:TUAK1 :1E[075:1282]G[064:0x007f]](http://joelsgulch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_0041.jpg)
Apparently bobcats and coyotes have a more healthy attitude towards surveillance cameras than most humans.
Based on my own experience, I think they can hear it click (even though I can barely hear it standing next to it), because I get the same reactions out of daylight passersby. But I also think they get used to it, the longer I leave it in one spot the fewer “jumpy run away!!” reactions I get.
On of my neighbors got outdoor cats back in the fall. When I pulled my trail camera cards yesterday I discovered that at least one of the cats has been chasing local foxes……*sigh* I was really hoping the local wildlife would solve the problem for me……
I brought the camera inside, Ruth, and while my hearing isn’t all it should be the cabin is very quiet and even up close I couldn’t hear the camera make any noise at all.
Ruth: How friggin’ big is that cat? We have one that weighs 24 pounds.
Joel: My camera makes a click sometimes; I think it may be engaging an IR filter or somesuch.
Full disclosure: I have hearing aids. I cheat.
Robert, I haven’t tried picking up the cat, but while he’s not small he’s not that huge either. Video’s up at my blog if you’re curious!