Bear Language groups spatial patterns overlaid on the Indigenous language families.

Spatial alignment between grizzly bear genetic groups and Indigenous language families in coastal BC

In the landscape on the central coast of what is now known as British Columbia, genetic analyses have identified three distinct genetic groups of grizzly bears.  The spatial areas of these groups align strikingly well with the geographies of three Indigenous language families (Tsimshian, Northern Wakashan, Salishan Nuxalk).  The explanation the research partnership favours is…

Grizzly Bear

Year two of grizzly bear behaviour monitoring in the Atnarko Corridor, Nuxalk Territory

Patience, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt are a few human qualities that many strive to attain. Grizzly bear field research here on the Atnarko River, Nuxalk Territory, affords our crew the opportunity to develop those traits and put them to the test…

A black bear on the left is standing on large mossy rocks. There is a stream with a small water fall the right, and a salmon is jumping out of the water in the direction of the bear. The bear has its left paw extended. It looks like a sunny day, although the sky is not in the photo.

Diversity of salmon species a necessary metric to understanding how bears feed

Salmon biomass is a measure of the total kilograms of spawning salmon. Many who are in the role of implementing conservation strategies and policies think that when it comes to bears, or terrestrial wildlife, more salmon biomass simply means more eating. However, our recent research published…

Chris Darimont looking off into the distance on the river with the sun coming through trees in the background.

Meet the team of applied conservation scientists at the University of Victoria

Last year the Raincoast lab at UVic marked an important new milestone with the creation of the Raincoast Chair in Applied Conservation Science at the University of Victoria. This five year Chaired Professorship allows us to expand our research, teaching and outreach programs in community-driven applied conservation science. Our long-term vision is to train next…

Kate Field and the bear research squad prepare for the imminent field season.

Notes from the (pre) field: “Caution – bear research in progress”

With spring comes organized chaos as graduate students and research associates transition from laboratory work, data analysis and writing, to a flurry of preparation for an upcoming season of monitoring bears on the central coast of British Columbia. We are headed to Gitga’at, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’xais, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv Territories to join…