trailcam photo series from wisconsin, usa

Thank you Rich H. for allowing us to show this series of trailcam photos, taken in the woods north of Drummond, Wisconsin. Like most trailcam photos we receive, it would appear something small has set up shop on or near the camera lens - perhaps a small spider or bug - and is reflecting the camera's infrared LED illuminators back into the lens, giving a very bright and slightly out-of-focus impression of itself. We have also received videos from trailcams and domestic security cameras showing a similar effect, with a spider moving on its web near the lens or an insect flying close by. The cause and visible effect is the same for video and still images.

The anomalous effect is similar to a dust orb - it appears to be a medium-large object in the middle-distance when in reality it is a very small thing close to the lens, catching the flash light. (You can't discern depth in the 2D photo.) In the photo above-right, it appears the deer could be looking at the glowing shape, but it's more likely unaware of it, as the shape only occurs in the camera image and is not a part of the deer's reality.

Of course, we can't be 100% certain of any of this. All of the photos shown on this site are open to interpretation. We're just offering one natural explanation for this apparently paranormal phenomenon, but it comes down to personal opinion as to what's really going on in the photos.

The photos below are the full series emailed to us by Rich. Also shown (right) is a trailcam of the same model as the one used to take the photos. The IR LED array is above the lens, and the dark area below is the motion-detecting device that activates the camera. (The time code should read PM but all other caption info is correct.)

100% detail of trailcam photo anomaly, increased contrast and sharpness. Note secondary anomalous glow, lower right.

Moultrie M80 trail camera