Wildlife sightings are anticipated when conducting field research but all hope to avoid an actual close encounter. Near the end of July, a small black bear bit a trail runner on the forearm while in the townsite of Canmore. As a result, the trail was closed. When you go to your area, make sure to check the advisory pages that detail local wildlife sightings, closed trails and other hazards in the area. Be aware as it is berry season and there is an increased likelihood you will see a bear. When it's rutting season (usually late September to mid or late October), there are more hazards when you encounter moose or elk. 

 

This year, there have been some sightings of mountain lions (cougars) in areas and these are also included in the bulletins below. 

 

Kananaskis Provincial Park

Jasper National Park 

Banff National Park

Elk Island National Park

Mountain View Bear (and Cougar) Sightings (Nordegg and surrounding areas)

Biosphere Bear Report

The Canadian Fire Danger Map shows that the increased precipitation has reduced the wildfire risk in most parts of northern Alberta. As of August 1, the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard shows a much better situation than in May and June with only two out of control fires thanks to the rain in the province but also to the tremendous fire fighting efforts.

 

In the Fire Danger Map, the high to extreme fire danger risks in the NWT mean more wildfire activity and hence the increased active wildfires shown on the map. 

 

In August we can expect moderate rainfall in Alberta with hotter temperatures and increased storms and all these factors can result in increased risk of wildfires. 

 

Please continue to assess the risks in your areas of research and plan accordingly. 

Chainsaw Certification went ahead on July 26-28, 2023 and we had four participants as well as one recertification. If you do work activities that require the use of a chainsaw, please email fieldoff@ualberta.ca to see when the next course will be. 

We are thin on our inReach inventory for the rest of the summer but we can still activate satellite phones if you need them. Please give us three business days for the activation and readying of equipment.

We rent satellite phones, inReach devices, first aid kits, and AEDs at cost recovery prices.

 

Sat Phones: $35.00 per week plus usage fees

InReach Devices: $25.00/week (15K plan) or $30/week (Unlimited data plan )

First Aid Kits: $6.00/week.

AEDs: free

The South Campus Storage Lot (southwest of the Saville Centre) has storage containers and cages for storing combustibles. 

All users of the lot must request access online. 

If you have any questions or require our advice on Field Activity Plans, hazard assessments, training, etc., please email fieldoff@ualberta.ca 

The University of Alberta has become a member of the Canadian Association of Underwater Science (CAUS). This allows the University to carry out scientific diving and comply with OHS guidelines. If you plan to dive for research purposes (with or without air apparatus), please contact fieldoff@ualberta.ca. You must submit a Diving Plan that will be reviewed and if appropriate, approved by the Scientific Diving Committee.  Some helpful documents are listed below:

The Firearms policy is being revised by UAPS under Facilities and Operations.  One of the first changes as indicated in a directive circulated on June 21, 2023, prohibits the use of personal firearms for University of Alberta business purposes.

The second change that UAPS is proposing is mandating annual firearms training (both Possession and Acquisition License and hands-on training from a third party).  There will be a meeting with some external experts on September 18th from 2-3:30 and researchers will have a chance to collaborate with UAPS on ideas for training and updates to the policy. Please email fieldoff@ualberta.ca if you are interested in attending.