Tips for responsible winter recreation in wildlife habitat

Earlier this winter, we (aka Doris Hausleitner, Andrea Kortello and Mirjam Barrueto) participated in an online-workshop series “Wildlife Wise“, to share what we know about winter recreation in wolverine country. It’s a difficult topic, partly because, really, if we’re honest to ourselves, all wildlife but the Canada Jays and Ravens would probably prefer us staying away during the harsh months where all wildlife struggles to survive. On the other hand, most of us love spending time in the snowy mountains in winter, be it on foot, ski, sled, snowshoe – winter recreation is a big reason why we live where we do. So – what are things to consider? How does one recognize wolverine dens and caribou tracks? Which aspects of recreation create less and which create more disturbance? We don’t have all the answers (but do have some); the series is intended to give you new insights and create understanding for why biologists and land managers sometimes recommend restrictions, and sometimes don’t.

The videos are all a bit different depending on your area of interest – but they all also apply to wolverine (and caribou) habitat in general. They start with a very short intro by Nadine Raynolds (Y2Y), a wolverine presentation by one or two of us, and then feature Aaron Reid, a wildlife biologist with the BC government, who gives excellent information on mountain caribou.

The Wildlife Wise Workshop Series was organized by Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, with much appreciated support from the Alpine Club of Canada, the Columbia Basin Trust, and the awesome Pow Gals.