By Staff 3-11,2016
Biologists with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department are hoping the person who stole a trail camera that was collecting data on mule deer migration will come forward and return the equipment.
The trail camera was set up beneath a highway underpass along Interstate 80 west of Laramie. Its purpose was to collect data on mule deer migrations and to learn how the animals use the underpass while moving between habitat types. The camera was stolen sometime between January and early March. “The data from this camera are very important to us,” said Laramie Wildlife Biologist Lee Knox. “We use it to learn about the timing of migration and how mule deer use the underpasses.” The camera was fastened to a fence post with a cable lock. Someone pulled the staples off the fence and dropped the wires, then pulled the camera off the post. “They did not even fix the rancher’s fence,” Knox said.
A business card inserted inside the camera contains Knox’s contact information. He hopes someone comes forward and returns it. “We would like to retrieve the data from the camera. No questions asked. This information is important to our research.” Trail cameras are frequently used in wildlife research projects. “If anyone sees cameras with Game and Fish Department emblems on them, they are collecting useful info about wildlife to help us manage the herds. Please do not disturb them,” Knox said. Anyone with information on the camera can contact Knox at (307) 777-4046 ext. 231.
