Can Deer See Infrared Light Of Trail Camera

The built-in flash on most trail cameras goes off whenever the camera detects motion or noise. In low-light situations, the camera's flash—typically an LED light—provides illumination to improve image quality. Trail cameras are designed to be less obvious to both deer and humans by having a low-flash or no-flash LED light. Further, to avoid startling or scaring away the wildlife, most trail cameras use infrared LEDs, a type of LED that emits infrared light that is beyond the visible spectrum of light and is not visible to the deer and human eyes.

Deer, like many other animals, do not have the ability to see infrared light. Deer are able to see colors, but the range of colors they can see is somewhat limited compared to humans. Studies have shown that deer are able to see shades of blue and ultraviolet light, but they have difficulty distinguishing between shades of red, orange, and yellow. This is because the color receptors in the deer's retina, called cones, are most sensitive to blue light and are less sensitive to red and yellow light. In general, deer are better at detecting movement than they are at distinguishing colors, which is why they are able to react quickly to threats in their environment.

Infrared (IR) LED (light-emitting diode) technology is used by most trail cameras, which also come with low glow flash or no glow flash, to take photos and videos in low light or at night.

The infrared light emitted by IR LEDs is not within the human visual spectrum, so neither deer nor other animals can see it. Infrared LEDs in trail cameras produce a flash of light that is undetectable to the human eye but is picked up by the camera's detector when activated. Even in total darkness, the camera can take clear pictures or videos of deer thanks to the IR illumination.

Types of trail camera IR LED technology

Low glow IR LED in trail camera

Low-glow IR light is produced by a type of LED that emits dimmer or less visible light than a traditional flash bulb. Low-glow IR LED is designed to be less noticeable to animals like deer and can help to avoid spooking or disturbing wildlife.

 It is possible that deer could see the low glow infrared (IR) flash of a trail camera, depending on the intensity and wavelength of the IR light being emitted. However, it is worth noting that deer are more sensitive to movement than they are to light, so even if they are able to see the low glow flash, they may not necessarily react to it. It is also possible that the low glow flash may be too dim for deer to see, depending on the conditions and the distance between the deer and the camera.

No-glow IR LED in trail camera

When a no-glow LED is activated in a trail camera, it will emit a burst of invisible light that is not visible to the human eye or to most animals. No glow IR flash is typically achieved by using a flash that emits a very low intensity of light and/or a very long wavelength of light, such as near-infrared light. Near-infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is just beyond the range of visible light and is unlikely to be detectable to deer or other animals.

Find Camojojo Low-glow Trail Camera

Deer and other animals are not able to see infrared light, as it is outside the visible spectrum of light that they are able to perceive.

Clearly, an infrared trail camera is a way to go. This color is too far on the spectrum for deer to see, so it will not scare them away. The Camojojo Trace LTE trail camera is a wonderful option if you need a trail camera that does not emit a lot of light and will not scare away any game.

Can deer see IR light?

No, deer cannot see infrared light as it is not within their color spectrum. That is why using infrared flash trail cameras is safe, as they will not spook them.

Do trail cameras flash？

Most trail cameras flash when they are triggered. The kind of flash they emit will decide whether they will spook the animal or not.

The black flash is better as it will not scare animals away, unlike the brighter white flash. However, it gives low-quality footage. Infrared flash game cameras are the better option as they don't emit a bright light.