Our biologists had their noses to the ground this fall for two very different reasons. In September, they peered at scratches on tree bark, measured faint impressions on a muddy river bank, and examined the shape and contents of specks of scat. Then for a week in November, us office-dwellers were entertained with glimpses of half the class, sporting fake blood and vomit, sprawled out in the forest and parking lot outside the office, while the other half trooped after them carrying armfuls of makeshift first aid equipment.
These are a couple examples of the team building and training that we invest in. It’s a big reason why we’re able to retain such great scientists.
(Animal) Sign Language
A small group attended the Fiera Biological Track and Sign Certification. For some, the goal was simply sharpening their skills and deepening their understanding of the ecology of the area. Two of our biologists, however, had been practising their track and sign identification and interpretation and were able to earn Level 1 Certification. Congratulations to Leonie and Solène – anyone who has attempted this certification knows how tough it is! Our biologists were relying on fieldwork experience rather than formal training, and it was cool how much of their knowledge was validated by the instructor.
In addition to being just generally fascinating, track and sign skills have practical value to biologists. These traditional skills for collecting animal use data can compliment cutting edge techniques that use the latest technology from camera traps to DNA to drones. There is also a safety benefit to having staff more attuned to the creatures present in an area they are moving through.
Quiz: What animal made this print?
Scroll to the bottom of the page for the answer.
With Great Pain Comes Great First Aid
Ten remarkably clumsy biologists were treated for head trauma, deadly bleeding, respiratory arrest, suspected spine injuries, animal attacks and much more. Thankfully, all made a full recovery and earned their Wilderness Advanced First Aid certifications.
This is essential training for our teams, who spend a lot of time hours away from professional medical assistance. Being able to recognize, triage, and treat a wider range of injuries and conditions in the field is essential to responding effectively in an emergency, but even more importantly, the knowledge helps the team create plans ahead of time to prevent incidents.
Keep scrolling for the answer ↓
Red Fox
So we’re trying to think of an animal with four toe pads (not mustelid) that are fairly symmetrical (canid, not feline), a small metacarpal pad (not wolf), and really furry feet (not coyote). In our area, that points strongly towards the red fox. You can just see a ridge at the leading edge of the metacarpal pad that forms when a more calloused part of the paw makes a firmer impression through the fur.
As a canid, you might be expecting claw marks, but a red fox’s paw is so furry that these are often indistinct or completely absent!