Local listing agent Martin Feinberg was interested to learn that researchers from Loyola Marymount University, along with the Culver City Police Department, recently installed “critter cams.” According to a Tuesday announcement from the City of Culver City, the researchers are hoping to use the cameras to monitor coyote and other wildlife behavior and movement patterns within the Culver City Real Estate area.

The automated camera systems have been put up to help Loyola scientists develop a more effective Coyote Management Plan that will be unique to Culver City and the special challenges the community has in regards to interactions between humans and local wildlife.  The surveillance system will allow scientists to monitor both the movement as well as the composition of coyote groups throughout the city.

Martin Feinberg, Realtor, notes that the cameras record all movement within a specific capture range—typically approximately 100 feet—and can produce full-color still photos during the day and black and white still photos at night. The scientists and police department will be placing the cameras on public land.

According to the City’s press release, the cameras will be solely used to monitor animal movement.  The City has stated that the cameras can capture up to 1,000 images each week but the majority of images will be deleted as most of the content that is caught won’t be relevant or of interest to the City’s effort, the press release said.

The City has asked that if residents see one of the small cameras fixed to a tree or light post, to please leave it alone.  Vandalized cameras should immediately be reported to Loyola Marymount University Researcher Dr. Melinda Weaver at 310-258-4384 or Melinda.Weaver@LMU.edu so they can be replaced.

Interested residents can participate in the study by requesting to have a camera installed in their yard or in the vicinity of their home or office. For more information please visit Culver City’s Coyote Management Program website.