Canyon Critters: Call of the Wild
It’s Wild out there
Odum School of Ecology students are on a quest to understand the secret lives of our furry friends living among bustling human activity at US National Parks. Imagine wildlife dining in the shadow of the Grand Canyon’s El Tovar Lodge or playing hide-and-seek in Zion’s Red Rock Grill. It can be a real-life animal dinner party, but with an unfortunate twist – our Canyon Critters might be developing a taste for fast food! Hotels, restaurants, and visitor centers have become hotspots for these critters’ escapades. From silver platter hand-feeding to trashcan treasure hunts, it can be a true wildlife buffet in these urbanized park areas. But fear not, conservationists, PhD student Anna Rose Willoughby and her student interns are here to unravel the mysteries and keep the balance in check!
Support this scientific adventure
Anna and her team are embarking on an adventure to quantify critter health among these urbanized areas. Armed with non-invasive methods like infrared cameras and hair snags, these students are not just learning; they’re paving the way for a future where wildlife and humans coexist harmoniously. As undergraduate interns decode the secrets of animal behavior and educate volunteers on the Zooniverse platform, they’re gaining scientific literacy and the experience to ask deeper questions about research. It’s wildlife exploration at its finest!
We’re on the lookout for $2500 to support our student explorers this spring. Your contribution will not only help us conserve wildlife but also nurture the next generation of environmental superheroes!
The call of the wild awaits your response. Donate today to support Canyon Critters and the future ecologists who will shape the public lands of tomorrow. Donors will receive an extra-cute Canyon Critters sticker!
