Article content

On the hunt for elusive creatures like cougars and wolves, wildlife enthusiasts have been furtively placing remote, motion-activated cameras in the national parks.

Parks Canada has issued a warning after finding unauthorized cameras well off the beaten trail in Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay. Anyone wanting to place one must apply for a research permit or face fines as high as $25,000.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Parks Canada issues warning after illegal wildlife cameras found in Banff Back to video

“The most recent ones found have been in close proximity to sensitive nesting or denning sites. We’ve found them on more than one occasions close to a wolf den,” said Seth Cherry, a Parks ecologist based in Radium.

He wouldn’t speculate on who or why the cameras were installed but said they were not likely put up by the average tourist.

Calgary

“Typically, people would have to know what they’re looking for. It’s probably a case of someone who knows the habits of these animals and the habitat they use.”

Cherry said Parks staff have found more of the remote cameras in the last few years as technology improves and prices drop. Instead of being used exclusively by scientists and professional photographers, anyone with an interest in wildlife can buy one and set it up easily.