Discover nature with wildlife camera at Runge Nature Center

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Have you ever wondered what animals do when you are not looking? A newly installed all-weather camera is providing web users in the show-me-state and beyond a close-up look at wildlife at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Runge Conservation Nature center in Jefferson City.

“We realize people cannot always get outside, but still want to be connected to nature,” said Chris Cloyd, MDC digital communications manager. “Web cameras are a way for people to learn about wildlife and connect with them without disturbing them in their habitat.”

The stationary camera focuses on the nature center’s wildlife viewing area. Live-streaming video runs 24-hours a day, seven days a week. It is fixed on several bird feeders, in an area prone to getting various wildlife visitors.

“This spring, it was not uncommon to see wild turkey gobblers fanning out their feathers, trying to attract hens in the area,” said Nature Center Manager Kathy Cavender. “Often deer, squirrels, birds, and other wildlife will be out in the area. It’s just a lot of fun to see what they do when they don’t know people are watching.”

To view the live feed, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/21349. The camera uses Windows Media Streaming technology. Users will need to allow their web browser to run the Windows Media plugin to view the video stream.

“It’s really fun to check in to see what might be there,” said Cavender. “That’s the great thing about the camera; you never know what you will discover when watching nature.”