A method is described for high-resolution videography of crepuscular and nocturnal mammals under field or laboratory conditions. The closed-circuit television camera provides a usable image in daylight as well as dusk/dawn applications. Infrared or red light illuminators must be used for darker conditions. A monitor interfaces with a motion detector and time-lapse video cassette recorder to allow fully automatic recording of activity. The onsite camera can be located more than 60 m from the controls for pan/tilt positioning and lens adjustment. Although the components are not particularly small or lightweight, the system is reasonably portable and functions in a wide range of temperature/humidity conditions. Detailed, remote monitoring and recording of small mammal (or other animal) behavior are possible under conditions not conducive to the presence of, or perhaps intolerable to, human observers.