The experiment ran into an unexpected problem. Cameras that were originally set up to record snow depth captured caribou, moose, black bears, wolves, rabbits and owls visiting the chambers. Over the winter, 11 of the 19 sites suffered damage – some chambers were broken, and temperature sensors were taken or smashed.

Assistant professor Kaitlyn Gaynor explains that animals are naturally curious about anything novel in their environment. When a strange object appears, its scent and the possibility that it might be food attract them. "It’s in their nature to be curious about whether new objects are resources to be exploited," she said.

The interference not only costs the research team time and equipment, it can delay data collection. Gaynor suggests several ways to reduce the impact: minimise time spent in the field, avoid leaving strong human scent on gear, and camouflage or hide the equipment as much as possible.

Understanding that wildlife are driven by curiosity and scent helps scientists design studies that coexist with the animals rather than clash with them.