Shannon & Mae involved in fisher reintroduction.

Our dynamic-duo fisher team (Mae and Shannon) have been actively involved in helping reintroduce a set of fisher kits orphaned through the death of the mother (fortunately,Shannon’s radio-telemetry work on the mother had previously revealed where the kits were stationed). The BC Wildlife Park has played an important role in this as well, housing the kits and helping prepare them for a life back in the forest. See this article for more information.

https://www.100milefreepress.net/news/orphaned-fisher-kits-return-to-wild-in-south-cariboo-7617634

Rulon Clark visits

From Oct 2-5, Dr. Rulon Clark, San Diego State University rattlesnake researcher, travelled to TRU to give a seminar, and spend quite a bit of time talking to members of our lab about his work, students’ work, and mutual interests. The day after his presentation a number of us took him in the field for a brisk cool den visit, and despite the weather not being terribly cooperative, we did manage to see a total of 10 rattlesnake ‘stragglers’, probably making a last push to get to the safe confines of their dens.

Canadian Herpetological Society – Sidney 2024

In September, current and former members of our lab met in Sidney, BC (on Vancouver Island – NOT THAT Sydney). It was a great meeting so kudos to the organizers. Karl delivered the Plenary Talk, and Chloe, Kara, Lindsay and Caroline presented as well. Recent lab grad Jade joined up with us too. Pictured below from L –> R, Kara, Chloe, Karl, Jade and Lindsay.

June 2024 starts off with a bang

Two big events in our lab unfolded during the first week of June. First off, Chloe received the TRU Master’s Medal in Environmental Science as top graduate in the program, with her thesis on rattlesnake movements and juvenile ecology. Two days later, Jade successfully defended her thesis on the road ecology of the community of snakes at our White Lake study site. Congrats to both!

String of successful defenses

We’ve had a series of very successful defenses in the past few months. Chloe, Rory and Camille (pictured above) all completed their MSc degrees in fine fashion. Volunteering their time to act as external examiners were Dr. Jackie Litzgus (Laurentian U.), Dr. Cole Burton (UBC) and Dr. Lisa Shipley Washington State U.), respectively – a big thanks to them. Congratulations to all three of our lab mates who have now moved on to new things.

World Snake Day 2023 a successsssssssssssss…..

 

 

 

 

 

The World Snake Day celebration at our Osoyoos rattlesnake study site (in partnership with the Osoyoos Indian Band) was a great success, thanks to the work of Lindsay and the other snakers on the team (Calen, Erin, and Caroline).  Good turnout and a lot of people learnt a lot about snakes.

December Social

Our lab’s December Holiday Social was well attended in 2022:  A couple recent alumni dropped in, and even the Honours Students managed to find time amongst their end-of-semester exams!  A superb potluck dinner was created.