Wildlife creatures such as lynx, moose, and bears have been causing havoc for a wildfire researcher in Newfoundland. Lucas Brehaut, a wildfire research scientist studying forest regrowth after fires in Atlantic Canada, faced challenges as animals interfered with his research equipment. Setting up 19 open-top chambers (OTCs) to study forest regrowth following a fire, Brehaut and his team found their equipment damaged by curious animals like caribou, moose, black bears, wolves, rabbits, and owls.
Despite enduring treacherous terrain and harsh weather conditions, Brehaut’s research faced unexpected setbacks when various animals damaged his equipment. Out of the 19 research sites, 11 suffered damage at some point, with animals even stealing temperature sensors. Brehaut humorously referred to one problematic site as “The Problem Child,” as it consistently faced damage.
While animals like moose and rabbits grazed within the greenhouses, bears exhibited curiosity by exploring new objects in their environment. Kaitlyn Gaynor, a professor at the University of British Columbia, explained that animals’ innate curiosity and sense of smell drive their interactions with research equipment. Gaynor emphasized the need for researchers to minimize their impact on wildlife by reducing their presence and scent in the field.
Animal interference in research is a global phenomenon, with Gaynor recounting incidents in Mozambique involving baboons, hyenas, and elephants disrupting research activities. Elephants, in particular, posed a significant challenge due to their destructive behavior. Gaynor highlighted animals as a major cause of equipment loss or failure during research endeavors.
Aside from wildlife disruptions, human activities also impacted Brehaut’s research, with snowmobiles accidentally damaging his research sites during snowy winters in Newfoundland. Despite these challenges, Brehaut maintains a positive outlook, acknowledging that animals are simply enjoying their natural habitat, even if it comes at the expense of his research efforts.