They roam at dusk. They slip between shadows. And sometimes, our remote WPI cameras catch them.
Our remote wildlife cameras are giving us remarkable glimpses into the lives of Napa’s wildest residents. From black bears lumbering through oak woodlands to bobcats on the prowl at dawn, each image is a testament to the success of protected lands and the resilience of nature when given space to thrive.
These photos don’t just inspire, they inform. Through our ongoing Wildlife Picture Index (WPI) project, we’re tracking biodiversity and helping guide stewardship across Land Trust properties. Every image is a data point, a story, and a reminder of why conservation matters. See a few images of what our cameras have captured this season below.
Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
From late-afternoon wanderings to moonlit foraging, these images capture Napa’s black bears as they move through our protected lands. As native apex omnivores, black bears play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance—dispersing seeds, turning over soil, and signaling the health of connected habitats. Their presence is a powerful indicator of a healthy, functioning ecosystem.
Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus)
Common yet essential, black-tailed deer are a keystone species in Napa’s oak woodlands, shaping plant communities through their grazing and providing sustenance for native predators. Their presence reflects the delicate balance and vitality of our forever-protected landscapes.
Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
Elusive and elegant, the gray fox moves with quiet precision through the understory, one of the few canids capable of climbing trees. These adaptable omnivores play an important role in controlling rodent populations and dispersing seeds, thereby helping to maintain the ecological balance of Napa’s woodlands. Their presence on camera reminds us of the vibrant and interconnected nature of our protected lands.
Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
Sleek, solitary, and built for stealth, the bobcat is one of Napa’s more elusive predators. As a mid-sized carnivore, the bobcat plays an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance, regulating small mammal populations, and signaling a healthy, functioning food web across protected lands.
Real Images. Real Impact.
These photos aren’t just striking, they’re science in motion. Each image helps us better understand wildlife movement, track biodiversity, and guide how we care for the lands that sustain them.
Thanks to your support, our cameras keep capturing the unseen stories of Napa’s wild residents—proof that protected lands are working, and that conservation matters.
