Large carnivores play key ecological roles, and human-induced behavioural shifts can have cascading ecosystem effects. This project investigates how outdoor recreation influences the spatial habitat use and temporal activity of black bears (Ursus americanus), wolves (Canis lupus crassodon), and cougars (Puma concolor) in a temperate forest protected area. Using remote camera traps, it examines how habitat structure, intraguild competition, and recreation shape carnivore behaviour across multiple scales.

 

Findings will identify priority habitats and support evidence-based wildlife management. As outdoor recreation continues to expand, understanding these interactions is critical for conserving large carnivores and promoting coexistence in multi-use landscapes. Read more through the SURREAL Lab (University of Victoria) and Arthurs et al. (2025).