Removing Crittercam

Greg’s team has also found creative ways to get the cameras off of animals.

Some animals hop onto ice or land to rest. People then unclip their harnesses to get the cameras.

Seals and sea lions often come out of the sea to sun themselves. The Crittercams glued to their fur can be easily removed. What if traces of glue are left behind?

They’ll disappear when the animals go through a molt. That’s when they naturally shed their fur and grow a brand new coat.

The team has also made a tether out of a thin strip of metal that dissolves. This rope can tie a camera to an animal. Crittercam pops free when the tether dissolves.

Greg hoped Crittercam would help scientists learn about ocean animals in a new way. And it certainly has!

Marshall attached a Crittercam to a furry sea lion with glue. The glue will disappear when the animal molts.