‘Candid Critters’ cameras return to Randolph library

A deer captured with a Candid Critters camera in Randolph County in May.
(This work is licensed under a
  CreativeCommons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalLicense.)

ASHEBORO – Wildlife cameras from the “North Carolina’s Candid Critters” initiative have returned to the Randolph County Public Library and are again available for check out.

Candid Critters, a state sponsored wildlife study, makes cameras available through public libraries. Participants check out the camera to mount on their property or on public land, and weeks later retrieve the images for viewing and uploading.

Cameras were available at the library from January-August, but were moved to other areas of the state in the fall for deer tracking.

Anyone interested in checking out a camera must first register at NCCandidCritters.org. Participants will receive an invitation to complete an online training course.

Library staff will be notified by the Candid Critters organization when a person is approved, and will contact the person to arrange checkout of a camera.

Those who completed the sign-up process previously can check out or reserve a camera by calling 338-318-6803 or by visiting the library. Library staff is available to assist with uploading images to the Candid Critters website.

Data will be used to map trends in animal populations across the state. See images from around the state, including Randolph County cameras, at www.tinyurl.com/candcrit.

Candid Critters is a partnership among NC State University, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the State Library of NC, NC Cardinal, the state’s public libraries and the Smithsonian Institution.

For more information, call the library at 336-318-6803.