Lost 3 so far this year due to Bears in McKean. Never had a problem before this year. Turning into quite the expensive hobby. Time to invest in security boxes I guess.

 

I think it's from us touching them. Sweat, maybe leftover food, etc.... I have had several cameras destroyed by bears.

 

I had a camera that had a little red light that came on when it took a pic the bears would get that one all the time till I put a pice of tape over it haven't had a problem since. Some cameras make a little noise when they take pics could be hearing it.

 

depends on the bear I guess, ive had a few small bear chew on the cameras some and try to pull them off the tree, some guys have had them completely destroyed by bear and some guys get bear pictures alot and never have an issue.

 

I've had to relocate 2 cameras this year because them black furry critters wouldn't leave them alone. I've been fortunate in that they have only knocked the cameras sideways or off the tree. Only very minor damage to 1 camera thus far.

 

Ever listen to your camera taking a picture? they buzz they click and who knows what else I believe they think its a bee hive or a grub nest IMHO

 

I always pick up a wad of grass and scrub my hands before handling my camera. I found that when I had a corn feeder or was handling salt blocks prior to checking my camera, I had a lot more cameras getting eaten. Scrubbing my hands with grass seems to help remove a lot of scent - I haven't had a problem since I started doing this (knock on wood).

 

My camera doesn't make a peep and I don't know too many digital cameras that do. To me it's all about scent. Bears have one of the greatest senses of smell in the animal kingdom. You touch a camera and I bet they could tell what you had for dinner last night. Heck, my dog is always trying to lick my hands. No doubt the camera smells like potential food to them.

 

Lol. Yeah I don't get it either. I spray my cameras down w/ scent killer, let em air dry for a few days and then only handle them w/ latex gloves even in the field. I've got bear proof boxes, camo color, all black flash HD trail cameras (no flash).....and yet they still seem to find em and slap them around every season. I've got some great bear pics as a result but it can be a bummer when you show up to ck cards and they mudded them up/tilted the cameras!

 

What has worked for me is to dump a can of sardines somewhere in front of the cam. The bears don't seem to pay any attention to the cams...all their attention is on the strong fishy sardines. I do agree though that they all have different personalities. Some are well behaved and some are just troublemakers!