“Wildlife Wreaks Havoc on Wildfire Researcher”

LISTEN | Discover how lynx, moose, and bears disrupt the work of a wildfire researcher:

Quirks and Quarks9:38Discover how lynx, moose, and bears disrupt the work of a wildfire researcher

Lucas Brehaut anticipated high interest in his research but found unexpected challenges as wildlife in Newfoundland’s wilderness took an active interest, often causing damage to his equipment.

As a wildfire research scientist with the Canadian Forest Service, Brehaut focuses on the regrowth of forests in Atlantic Canada post wildfires, which are becoming more frequent despite the region’s cooler and wetter climate compared to the rest of the country.

Following a forest fire near Grand Falls-Windsor, N.L., in 2022, Brehaut embarked on a study to observe forest regrowth in a warming world due to climate change.

To conduct his research, Brehaut and his team transported 19 open-top chambers (OTCs) through the forest to simulate a warmer environment for seedlings planted within. OTCs resemble mini greenhouses and can elevate temperatures by one to three degrees, mimicking climate warming effects. The study is currently in its third year of a five-year duration.

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Brehaut expected challenges during his research expeditions, such as traversing rugged terrain for up to a kilometer and enduring Newfoundland’s unpredictable weather.

However, in September 2023, during a routine visit, he encountered an unexpected issue.