‘Candid Critters’ cameras now available from Randolph library

ASHEBORO – Motion-activated cameras are now available for check-out from the Randolph County Public Library for participants in the “North Carolina’s Candid Critters” initiative, which enables library users to participate in a statewide wildlife study.

To join the project and check out a camera, sign up and complete brief online training session at NCCandidCritters.org. Cameras will be distributed this week to participants who have already registered.

Candid Critters is a state-sponsored study that makes cameras available through public libraries. Participants check out the cameras to mount on private property or public land, and weeks later retrieve the images for uploading to the Candid Critters website.

Approved participants will be notified by the library to pick up their cameras for a series of three-week deployments. Library staff will be available to help with uploading the images.

Data will be used to map trends in animal populations across the state. Typical images from the project – including deer, bears and bobcats in the eastern part of the state – can be viewed 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, North Carolina’s public libraries and the Smithsonian.

For further information, contact the library at 336-318-6803.