Every year we review hundreds of thousands of photos as part of our Border Wildlife Study, and in addition to the invaluable data we receive about the presence/absence of species in these areas, we’re often moved by the little moments captured on camera. We hope you enjoy these highlights from 2025 from across our study locations.
Core Border Wildlife Study
Cameras in the San Rafael Valley and the foothills of the Patagonia and Huachuca Mountains in operation since March 2020.
An American black bear traveling across a hill slope in the Coronado National Memorial. Black bears come in a variety of colors including brown, cinnamon, blonde, and white. A large group of pronghorn at sunset in the San Rafael Valley. The one male in the background has the large iconic pronged horns. This herd was reintroduced into the Valley, so it’s always a joy to see them doing well. Coyotes are always on the move in our photos. It’s rare to see one taking a moment to relax.A white-nosed coati lopes along a dry wash in the Patagonia mountains.A dramatic moment of a gray hawk coming in for a landing on a nearby branch just out of view.
San Bernardino Cameras
Located in the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge, in operation since August 2022. In partnership with Wildlands Network.
A nice photo of a bobcat walking across the desert uplands.San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge is a place to two extremes. Dry desert scrub and lush riparian corridors. Notice how one javelina family member pauses to make sure the mother and babies are keeping up.A greater roadrunner in a dramatic pose. Is it chasing something or being chased?While not the most flashy photo, Badgers are typically solitary, so seeing two badgers in the same image during the day is very exciting!On Occasion, our cameras fall or get knocked over, usually resulting in hundreds of photos of the ground. But this one captured a dramatic photo of a silhouetted javelina running past.
San Pedro River Cameras
Located in the San Pedro National Conservation Area since January 2024
A raccoon runs along the bank of the San Pedro River. Water from a recent monsoon rain can be seen in the background.Right before this photo, there is a sequence of this young coyote sniffing and playing with the camera. Puppies are curious creatures!A male lesser gold finch eating seeds from an amaranth plant that sprouted after the monsoon rains.A bobcat kitten! With monsoon rains, fresh growth and fresh life appears.Now for an even bigger kitty. Large animals like mountain lions rely on riparian river corridors like the San Pedro River, for food, water, and safe passage through the desert.
Santa Cruz River Cameras
East of Nogales as the river re-enters the United States from Mexico, this camera study officially launched in February 2025.
A large adult bobcat after a flood in the Santa Cruz River. This cat has the largest cheek tufts we have ever seen on a bobcat!The golden setting sun catches this antelope jackrabbit’s ears and eyes. Do you see the second jackrabbit in the background?A lovely group of turkeys parading past our camera. The four in front with the colorful heads are males, with the females in the background.A North American porcupine. We have been documenting porcupine in the San Rafael Valley but to see one in this location was a pleasant surprise. We area always learning new things with our cameras.Take a moment to pause, like this great blue heron along the Santa Cruz River.
