Spring 2025

Newsletter Archive

Collaring of Ungulates in Southwestern Alberta

The GPS collars will study wildlife movement before and after construction of AB Transportation and Economic Corridor's new Hwy 3 road mitigation system.

Last month, 7 mule deer and 20 elk were fitted with GPS collars as a vital part of our Reconnecting the Rockies - Alberta project, conducted in partnership with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Biodiversity Pathways at the University of British Columbia, and Nature Conservancy Canada. We are excited to monitor the movement of the collared animals across this important landscape in southwestern Alberta and southeastern British Columbia.

This data will provide valuable insights into wildlife movement patterns and adaptation during and after construction of the wildlife road mitigation system being built along Highway 3 by Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors. This research will also assess the effectiveness of crossing structures and identify wildlife management challenges. The results will enhance our current understanding and guide the future placement and design of wildlife crossings, both new and retrofitted. The project's overarching goal is to expand road ecology research and strengthen the integration of ecological connectivity into government planning and policy.

This project is supported by funding generously provided by Parks Canada's National Program for Ecological Corridors, the Calgary Foundation, Wilburforce Foundation, Woodcock Foundation, and the Minister's Special Licence Resident Draw Grants.