Join a community of volunteers engaged in a scientifically robust way to study mammal populations across New York State

Thousands of volunteers across New York State are participating in a massive wildlife study of New York’s mammals called “SnapshotNY” and more volunteers are needed. This study relies on thousands of trail cameras organized in a statewide network. These trail cams are powered by volunteers who place the cameras outdoors and regularly download the data (pictures) ad upload them to a statewide website. By sharing wildlife trail camera photos, volunteers directly contribute to research that helps scientists learn more about New York’s wildlife and will help to inform wildlife conservation and management.

Snapshot NY is a collaborative statewide wildlife monitoring project between NYSDEC, Cornell University, the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and volunteers across New York State. SnapshotNY relies on trail cameras placed throughout the entire state to survey for and monitor a variety of wildlife including black bears, fishers, bobcats, coyotes, and more. The trail camera images can be turned into useful population metrics for these wildlife species, which ultimately will inform their conservation and management in New York State.

SnapshotNY is easy to join, and it’s a simple way to join an important statewide wildlife survey

SnapshotNY is easy to join. All one needs to volunteer is to sign up for an account at SnapshotNY and apply to host a camera in one of our 4,500 grid cells. You can easily find which grid cell your property falls in by searching your address on the map. There is one volunteer per grid cell, so if a cell is taken, volunteers will be prompted to get on the waitlist for that grid cell. Once your grid cell is selected, you will be asked if you would like to be considered for a camera loan or if you have a camera of your own.

This maps shows the 4500 grid cells where SnapshotNY is seeking to place cameras. Red cells are those with cameras.

SnapshotNY has a set number of cameras available for loan and encourage folks to participate with their own cameras if they have them. Volunteers can then use the SnapshptNY smartphone app to set out your camera and record important information such as the location of the camera, and the time and date it is set out. After a few weeks, you can check on your camera, retrieve the SD card and upload images through the SnapshotNY website. This is a way for many people across the Adirondacks and NYS to participate in SnapshotNY.

SnapshotNY displays new photos regularly and volunteers can view images uploaded by volunteers across the state. Volunteers can also stay up to date on all things involved in this massive wildlife study. Snapshot NY publishes a regular newsletter and monthly blogs.