Top Dog: The Ecology, History and Survival of Gray Wolves in Kananaskis and Alberta

Top Dog: The Ecology, History and Survival of Gray Wolves in Kananaskis and Alberta

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT AND FULL TO CAPACITY – THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO REGISTERED

Thursday, March 24, 2016 — 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Presented by Melanie Percy, Regional Park Ecologist, Heritage Protection Team Lead

The topic of gray wolves (Canis lupus) elicits a spectrum of human responses that extend from passion and respect, to fear and hatred. A subject of absolute fascination for many, wolves are a top predator native to Alberta and are often considered integral to the maintenance of ecological health. While few of us have actually seen wolves, their presence can be confirmed by paw prints on trails and by the occasional howl on a moon-lit night. This presentation will discuss aspects of wolf ecology, social behaviour, and research techniques, as well as some of the challenges that wolves face throughout Alberta and much of this continent. Melanie will highlight these topics with anecdotes and personal stories from her years studying wolves.

Registration required. Free for Friends of Fish Creek members, and $5 for non-members.

Melanie has worked as the Senior Park Ecologist for the Kananaskis Region since 2009, and is responsible for supervising and directing the Park Ecology Program in the region, which includes Fish Creek Provincial Park. She began working in the field of wildlife conservation in Alberta over 20 years ago, when her passion for wolves led her to Banff National Park and Kananaskis to work with the Central Rockies Wolf Project. While working with the CRWP, she undertook her MSc thesis through the University of Alberta, focusing on habitat use and movement patterns of wolves, black bears and grizzly bears. Since that time, she has diversified into other aspects of wildlife and park ecology, but still maintains her passion for wolves and their ecology.

Photo courtesy of Steve Anderson.