Camera trapping is a non-invasive research tool that has transformed wildlife monitoring, but some deployment methods can cause stress or injury to wild animals.
Camera trapping represents a generally low-impact research method compared to live trapping or radio collaring, but welfare considerations still apply. White flash cameras positioned at high-traffic wildlife locations — water holes, salt licks, travel corridors — can cause repeated acute startle responses in sensitive species. Research on nocturnal animals including owls, cats, and ungulates has documented avoidance of camera-trapped areas following repeated white flash exposure. Infrared cameras have largely resolved this problem for most applications. Lure-based deployment raises additional concerns: artificial attractants can habituate animals to human-associated smells and locations, increasing human-wildlife conflict risk. Responsible camera trap protocols minimize flash intensity, use infrared where possible, rotate deployment sites, and avoid water sources during critical seasons.