Mark Girardeau uses Halloween displays to lure wildlife on camera
Halloween Props Lure Predators on Camera
Photographer Mark Girardeau is baiting the Santa Ana Mountains with an unusual lure: Halloween-themed displays. By placing pumpkins and seasonal decorations in remote wilderness zones, the community scientist has successfully enticed local mountain lions, gray foxes, bobcats, and deer into the frame of his camera traps.
Two Months of Patience for a Single Frame
Securing high-quality footage of elusive predators demands a precise alignment of variables. Animals must follow specific paths at the exact moment cameras are triggered, a feat that rarely occurs on command. After a two-month effort, the results include a gray fox pausing for a close-up and various bobcats and deer investigating the props. “I was very excited because it took two months just to get what I got there,” Girardeau said.
Girardeau Aims to Demystify Feared Predator Species
Environmental conditions and animal behavior rarely synchronize, but Girardeau argues the rarity of the encounters justifies the time investment. Beyond the aesthetic appeal of the footage, he intends the images to demystify predator species that often trigger public fear. By bringing these animals into a relatable, albeit seasonal, context, the project aims to bridge the gap between human observers and the natural world.
A Visual Record of Untamed Species
Whether tracking terrestrial predators in the Santa Ana Mountains or marine mammals in the Pacific, Girardeau’s work provides a consistent visual record of species including sharks, mountain lions, and killer whales. His ongoing commitment remains focused on increasing public exposure to wildlife that most people would never otherwise encounter.