KAMLOOPS, BC — Gabe Jules has witnessed a drop in both the numbers and health of the deer population in his territory, which has been ravaged by two devastating wildfire seasons in three years. Jules—rights, title and wildlife representative for Skeetchestn First Nation, about 60 kilometres west of Kamloops, B.C… has seen how severe burns from record-breaking wildfires can affect everything, including winter feed for deer.  …The research analyzes deer fecal samples with help from the Toronto Zoo to measure cortisol levels, a stress hormone, said Shaun Freeman, a wildlife biologist. The research will be used to inform Skeetchestn on how environmental factors such as wildfires, logging, and development like road density will impact their deer harvesting management. …The wildfire seasons, alongside other environmental factors like logging and other land management practices, have left Skeetchestn to consider a five- to 10-year reduction in harvest, Jules said. [to access the full story, a National Observer subscription is required]

Related coverage: Skeetchestn wants limits on hunting mule deer after wildfire destroys habitat