Wildlife in Newfoundland’s wilderness has been causing havoc for Lucas Brehaut, a wildfire research scientist studying forest regrowth after fires in Atlantic Canada. Brehaut’s team is using mini greenhouses to simulate the effects of a warming planet on seedlings. However, animals like caribou, moose, black bears, rabbits, coyotes, and owls have been destroying his research equipment, with 11 out of 19 sites being damaged.
Despite the setbacks, Brehaut remains understanding, acknowledging that the animals are simply curious about the unfamiliar objects in their habitat. Kaitlyn Gaynor, a professor at the University of British Columbia, explains this behavior, noting that animals are naturally inquisitive about potential food sources or threats. She suggests researchers minimize their impact by reducing their scent, quickening their fieldwork, and disguising equipment.
Animal interference in research is a global issue, with Gaynor sharing experiences of baboons, hyenas, and elephants disrupting research in Mozambique. Elephants, in particular, are destructive due to their size and intelligence. Brehaut has also faced challenges from human interference, with snowmobiles damaging his research plots during snowy winters in Newfoundland.