Lucas Brehaut, a researcher studying forest regrowth after wildfires in Atlantic Canada, had his work repeatedly disrupted by wildlife inhabitants in the area. Despite the cooler and wetter climate of the region, forest fires have become more frequent. Brehaut’s research involved setting up open-top chambers (OTCs) to monitor seedlings in a warming planet scenario due to climate change. However, various animals like caribou, moose, black bears, wolves, rabbits, and owls interfered with his work, causing damage to his equipment.
Out of the 19 research sites, 11 experienced some form of damage from the curious wildlife inhabitants. Brehaut encountered challenges beyond the tough terrain and weather conditions of Newfoundland when animals started tampering with his research equipment. Despite the setbacks, Brehaut maintained a positive outlook, acknowledging that these animals were simply acting according to their natural instincts in their habitat.
Kaitlyn Gaynor, an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, explained that animals are naturally curious about novel objects in their environment, driven by potential food sources or threats. For instance, bears’ omnivorous nature leads them to investigate new objects for potential food. Additionally, human scent on research equipment can attract animals, further piquing their curiosity. Gaynor suggested minimizing human interference by reducing scent, quickening fieldwork, and concealing research equipment.
Interference from wildlife in research activities is a global issue, as Gaynor highlighted her experiences with animals disrupting research work in Mozambique. Baboons, hyenas, and elephants were mentioned as common culprits in damaging research equipment in the wild. Gaynor emphasized that animals, not humans, are often the primary cause of equipment failure during research projects. Brehaut also shared an incident where human interference, such as snowmobiles passing over research sites, led to disruptions in his study.
