Carnivore-Recreationalist Habitat Partitioning

Project investigates how outdoor recreation influences spatial habitat use and temporal movement of black bears (Ursus americanus), wolves (Canis lupus crassodon), and cougars (Puma concolor) in a temperate forest protected area. Large carnivores play key roles in ecosystem regulation, and shifts in their behaviour due to human activities can alter ecological processes. Using remote camera trap data, this ongoing research initiative analyzes how habitat structure, intraguild competition, and recreational activities affect carnivore behaviour at multiple scales.

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Findings will guide conservation by identifying priority habitat features and areas, supporting evidence-based wildlife management. In the context of rising outdoor recreation, understanding these dynamics is crucial for advancing coexistence strategies and effective conservation in multi-use landscapes.

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Read more about this ongoing project through the SURREAL Lab (University of Victoria) and a recent publication by Arthurs et al. 2025.

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