A recent study conducted by the University of Alberta has found that “increasing large predator populations [does] not necessarily equate to a loss in prey populations” (Trump, Knopff, Morehouse & Boyce, 2022, para. 28). In other words, habitats that are able to support larger prey populations should also be able to support larger predator populations as well (Trump, et. al, 2022).
In areas where prey populations such as elk have declined, evidence of disruption of migration routes due to roads and industrial developments, such as cut lines for pipelines, has been attributed to this outcome (Trump, et. al, 2022). This is a result of a combination of habitat loss and an increase in predator access to the prey population.
Evidently, human’s impact on prey and predator populations has a cascading effect on our ecosystem. This effect has historically been blamed on apex predators such as wolves, bears, and cougars. Help us join the fight of fair and ethical treatment of apex predators by being a part of the solution.
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Reference: Trump, T., Knopff, K., Morehouse, A. & Boyce, M.S. (2022 October 26) Sustainable elk harvests in Alberta with increasing predator populations. PLoS ONE 17(10).
An important aspect of wildlife coexistence is preventing human-wildlife encounters from happening. This is especially important in communities that live at the urban-wildlife interface and are known to have apex predators. We are working with communities in these areas to develop coexistence strategies specifically related to cougars.
Our #GivingTuesday goal is to raise $5,000 by November 29th to purchase additional trail cameras as well as to develop trail signage and outreach materials. The trail cameras will help us track cougar movements and behaviours, allowing us to develop tailored strategies for communities while the outreach materials and signage will educate hundreds of trail and public land use zone users about how to safely coexist with cougars during their adventures.
We are asking for you to help us today so we can save a cougar’s life tomorrow by preventing conflicts from happening.
Be cougar aware and donate today!
Do you know how to spot the difference between a lynx and a bobcat? Although both are a part of the Lynx genus, they do have similar differences that can help you tell them apart.
For instance, lynx have long black hair tufts with thick gray fur while bobcats are more spotted with fur that ranges from gray to brown. Bobcats also have a signature short 'bobbed-like' tails that are banded with black stripes. In contrast, lynx tails lack this banding and are black at the tip.
Of the two photos below, one is of a lynx and one of a bobcat. Do you know which one is which? Let us know by replying to this email!
Photos by Exposed Ambassador Colleen Gara
In 2020, the Government of Alberta released their grizzly bear recovery plan which outlined a series of recommendations and implementation steps to recover grizzly bears in Alberta. None of these recommendations have been implemented.
This past spring, we held our first online silent auction - Through (Our) Wild Eyes. With the funds raised through this initiative, we were able to commission bear expert Dr. Sarah Elmeligi to create an information-rich and actionable plan for us regarding grizzly bear recovery in Alberta.
This plan addresses the gap between the Alberta grizzly bear recovery plan and recovery action. It also provides us with recommendations and strategies we can use to hold the Alberta government accountable in implementing grizzly bear recovery programs throughout our province.
On November 23rd, Dr. Elmelig will be sharing the key findings from this report with our Insiders during our quarterly exclusive Insiders online event. If you are wanting to have first access to this report, consider becoming an Exposed Insider.
Insiders are dedicated to not only giving a voice to cougars, bears, and wolves but also to creating meaningful change in the treatment of Canada’s apex predators. Insiders are a huge part of Exposed and help us ensure that we have a stable source of funds for our ongoing projects and campaigns.
Support Alberta’s grizzly bears by becoming an Insider today!
BECOME AN INSIDER
We are growing and looking for volunteers to join our Exposed Ambassador Program! Exposed Ambassadors are experienced and established biologists, wildlife advocates, photographers, and videographers that have a passion for wildlife conservation.
Exposed Ambassadors have a special role in advocating for apex predators. They harness the power of storytelling through visual mediums to bring awareness to current critical wildlife challenges, solutions, and efforts.
Tim Osborne is a photographer based out of St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. With a primary focus on wildlife, Tim has a passion for capturing the personality and character of his subjects in their natural environments. Through his photography, Tim aims to share the magic of our natural world and to help others develop an appreciation and respect for the world around them. While his photography has taken him as far as Africa, his primary focus remains on exploring the natural world right here in his own backyard. Tim is a strong supporter of ethical wildlife photography. All animals are photographed in the wild, have not been baited and their best interest is always the primary concern.
If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador and championing apex predators even further, we encourage you to review the program requirements and apply today!
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The snow has fallen and the temperature has dropped as we enter the “cozy” season. Now is a perfect time to plan ahead for the holiday season. As you consider what gifts you are wanting to give your friends and family, consider us!
We have a selection of warm and stylish apparel, such as toques and hoodies, that showcases your support of bears, wolves, and cougars. Be sure to keep an eye on our shop as we have new designs coming out soon!
If art is more your style, we have a variety of beautiful art prints available from immensely talented conservation-focused Canadian-based artists. Funds raised go towards supporting Canada’s apex predators!
Visit the shop now and get fantastic, comfy clothing AND support the Conservancy with much-needed funding for our conservation projects.
GET YOUR GEAR
To reduce our environmental footprint, our clothing and artwork comes from “print-on-demand” Canadian-based businesses. We recommend that you purchase your gifts as soon as possible as production and shipping times from our supplier tend to take longer heading into the holidays.
P.S. Remember that our Exposed Insiders get a 10% discount on all store purchases!
