“Wildlife Disrupts Wildfire Research in Newfoundland”

A wildfire researcher’s study in Newfoundland’s wilderness is being disrupted by lynx, moose, and bears, causing damage to equipment. Lucas Brehaut, a wildfire research scientist, is investigating forest regeneration post wildfires in Atlantic Canada. He and his team are using open-top chambers (OTCs) to study the effects of climate change on forest regrowth. However, animals have been interfering with the study, with various species damaging equipment and even taking sensors. Despite the challenges, Brehaut remains understanding, acknowledging that animals are simply curious about the unfamiliar objects in their habitat. The researcher’s encounters with wildlife interference echo similar experiences in other regions, such as Mozambique, where animals like baboons and elephants have disrupted research activities. Additionally, human disturbances, like snowmobiles, have also posed challenges to the study.