The Wyoming Game and Fish Department debuted the first in a series of wildlife web cameras so people can connect to the Wyoming outdoors from anywhere. Called, WildLIVE, the cameras will stream live on the Game and Fish website and give viewers an up-close look at the lives of wildlife.
“In a survey released in 2018, only 37% of people in Wyoming reported they had gone wildlife viewing in the last year, but 87% said they were hoping to view wildlife in the future,” said Justin Joiner, Game and Fish communication and outreach supervisor. “By making wildlife viewing available on the Game and Fish website, people who haven't experienced wildlife will be able to get a taste of the outdoors or renew their spirit of adventure.”
Game and Fish is planning to livestream from multiple locations across the state. The first camera is at Speas Fish Hatchery, located outside Casper. Viewers can get a peek at a portion of the millions of fish the department raises and stocks annually in Wyoming waters. The camera gives viewers a rare underwater look at the fish and provides a sense of how the fish rearing process works.
“We hope that a livestream of wildlife, starting off with the unique opportunity to see fish up close, will be an entrypoint for people to learn more about the state’s wildlife,” Joiner said. “Cameras make wildlife accessible for all people — those who, for whatever reason, are unable to get outdoors or those who can't visit Wyoming and see our wildlife for themselves. To be able to offer them a glimpse of our great state is fantastic.”
Since the cameras are livestreaming, the public should be aware they may capture the full experience of wildlife, from heartwarming moments between a mother and fawn to the difficult-to-watch moments of predation.
“The lives of wildlife are not always easy to watch,” Joiner said. “But being able to view these animals in their daily lives, no matter the turn they take, can be an educational experience. We hope the moments the cameras broadcast leave lasting impressions that propel people to learn more about Wyoming’s wildlife and management of these species.”
Game and Fish plans to expand the number of wildlife viewing cameras throughout the next year to locations that could offer viewing of deer, elk, pronghorn and birds. The exact locations of cameras will be kept confidential to protect wildlife. The cameras will often be located on private land with the cooperation of landowners. Those interested in partnering on this effort with existing livestream cameras or locations with unique wildlife viewing can contact Game and Fish.
The wildlife camera feeds can be viewed at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/Wildlive; check back frequently for updates.
