Giving a whole new meaning to hidden camera footage, this video explores wildlife in a candid way. The video starts shortly after the man discovers the small pool about two feet deep—he notes it’s “retaining water pretty well,” and decides it’s a good spot to set up his camera. He pans over to his camera setup, which is a clever contraption he created when he bound the camera to a flat rock he got to stand upright. He goes on to comment that this is a close setup; and that the footage may miss part of the animal or part of the water—but overall, he’s pleased with the placement. First to appear is a turkey vulture. It looks off into the distance as if to confirm it’s safe before taking a drink from the pool. Once hydrated, it flies off. Next is a black bear—it approaches right from the same spot as the turkey vulture and begins to guzzle up some water. It explores a little further, reaching out with its left paw to support its weight before deciding it’s a great place to soak and cool off. The normally menacing noises a bear makes are endearing in the clip, as the bear is just enjoying the environment for a quick dip. It scratches, relaxes, and moves about gently, dunking every part of its body except its head. The third animal is a Coues deer that’s so thirsty you can hear it gulping the water. Night vision captures a ring-tailed cat guzzling up some water with its tail up in the air. A couple of Mexican jays stop by when the sun is out and then the camera cuts to a long-nosed bear exiting its afternoon bath and getting curious about the camera. It lingers for a moment then takes off. Next, is the black bear—but wait. Could it be the same one for earlier? Oh! And now there is a curious cub alongside it to paw at the camera. Mama bear and cub take a nice bath together. The scene shifts to some deer, and to the ring-tailed cat, and a skunk that is also curious about the camera. A mountain lion decides this hidden mountain oasis is a great place to rehydrate and the night vision shows how it returns for more—with a friend this time. Finally, a gray fox joins the water party just before the skunk returns. Overall, the great placement of this camera is able to capture some fantastic, intimate footage of wildlife sharing a community watering hole!
