Our researchers are frequently sought by the media for stories and expert opinion. The last couple months have been no exception. Below is a quick roundup of media coverage that fRI Research has provided comment for.
Collared Grizzly Bear Killed
One of our collared research bears was killed in a suspected poaching incident.
Each year we aim to collar about 20 grizzly bears, which provides essential data to several conservation projects. The collar transmits the bear’s hourly locations, allowing us to better understand bear home ranges, denning behaviour, the characteristics of the habitat they choose, and estimate the risks to grizzly bears of things like roads and human settlements.
This bear, estimated to be 4 or 5 years old, was collared near Jasper earlier this spring. It was found dead near Edson. Grizzly Bear Program lead Gord Stenhouse answered questions from several media outlets to provide context to the story.
“Two charged for allegedly killing grizzly bear” by Paul Clarke, Jasper Fitzhugh. June 22, 2016.
“2 charged after collared grizzly bear shot and killed in Alberta” by Kelsey Ferrill, Global News. June 23, 2016.
“Charges of poaching laid in Alberta grizzly bear death” by Andrea Huncar, CBC News. June 24, 2016.
Draft Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan and Funding Commitment Announced
On June 1, Alberta Environment and Parks released the updated Alberta Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan. The plan incorporated information produced by the Grizzly Bear Program at fRI Research. Along with the plan release, the Government of Alberta announced their commitment to continue supporting our reseearch though $475,000 in ongoing funding.
“Research funded on grizzly growth” by Cynthia Bigrigg, The Hinton Voice. June 9, 2016.
Dr. David Andison Provides Comment on Fort McMurray Wildfire
Healthy Landscapes Program lead Dave Andison was sought out by the media for his expertise during coverage of the Fort McMurray wildfire in May. In numerous phone, radio and TV interviews, he explained fire’s role as a natural disturbance in the ecosystem, models for future fire behaviour, and various management tools available.
“Why didn’t Trudeau want to link the Fort Mac fire to climate change?” by John Geddes, MacLean’s. May 4, 2016.
“Fort McMurray wildfire burning so hot, only weather can stop it” by Lucas Powers, CBC News. May 5, 2016.
“http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/wildfires-will-always-happen-but-canadians-forgetting-safety-lessons-they-teach-us” by Brian Hutchinson, National Post. May 10, 2016.
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