Summit County staff: 2024 wildlife cameras recorded dozens of species on Doig Homestead and Tenderfoot Meadows

Summit County Open Space and Trails staff presented results from the 2024 wildlife camera monitoring program on April 2, reporting that county cameras detected a variety of mammals and birds at two county properties and that seasonal patterns and land use (for example, cattle grazing) influenced detections.

At Doig Homestead, staff reported 18 unique species were recorded in 2024 and that spring was particularly active, with 53% of all camera events occurring in April and May. Staff said activity was very high from May 1 to May 23, then declined substantially once cows began grazing on May 23; staff observed that in June more than half the detections were birds rather than mammals. Notable observations included a mating pair of red foxes, coyotes marking territory and two mountain lions traveling together.

At Tenderfoot Meadows the camera was moved to four locations over the year and recorded 13 unique species, with mule deer, common raven and coyotes most frequently detected; staff also reported a moose was observed at Tenderfoot for the first time. Cameras showed much of the wildlife activity occurred at night, and early spring and late fall/early winter were the most active periods for detections.

OST staff and OSAC members said the monitoring results will help inform land-use planning and conservation efforts and that the findings illustrate the value of coordinating wildlife management with habitat use and recreational planning.