KINGSTON, R.I. — Adjacent to the University of Rhode Island’s main campus, North Woods encompasses 225 acres of forest, wetlands, and headwater streams. Thanks to camera trapping efforts from the Department of Natural Resources Science, images of the animals that call the area home are part of national data that informs a variety of research projects.

Coordinated by the Smithsonian since 2019, Snapshot USA is a multi-contributor, long-term effort to sample mammal populations. The project, which relies on researchers in all 50 states to collect data via camera traps, is unique in its scope.

“Normally, with camera trap surveys, everyone has different methods and protocols,” said Amy Mayer, research associate with the department. “With Snapshot USA, everyone has to follow the same protocols in the same time period so there’s one big standardized dataset so we can look at trends across the country in a more streamlined way.”

Camera trapping is particularly rewarding because of the amount of data you gather for a relatively low-effort activity, she added. The cameras are continually running and motion activated.

“Anytime an animal walks by, you’re getting a snapshot of it in its surroundings. You can use the timestamp and the location information to understand the vegetation and habitat the animal uses and when it is active,” Mayer said. “You can study many different species at the same time.”

Fifteen cameras are placed in a grid throughout North Words and run from September through October. About 2 feet off the ground, the battery-powered cameras capture a representative area, including wetlands and drier spots.

“Having these long-term studies are really important, especially now with climate change,” said Mayer, noting the importance of observing changes and adaptations from year to year.

North Woods has been a contributing location to Snapshot USA from its inception, facilitated by Brian Gerber, associate professor of natural resources science at the time who now works for the U.S. Geological Survey at Colorado State University, and now by Kathleen Carroll, assistant professor in the department.

URI researchers are the only participants from Rhode Island. Two years ago a second location in Arcadia was added.

Snapshot USA’s data is freely available to the public to download and use via the Wildlife Insights.