Grey wolves inhabit portions of IOC property and have become increasingly adapted to industrialized areas. The frequency of human–wolf encounters at IOC has fluctuated over the years, in line with local wolf populations, but was noted to have increased leading up to 2020. To protect the health and safety of our workers and the wolves, we initiated a comprehensive two-year monitoring programme in 2021 to better understand these essential predators.
The grey wolf monitoring programme involved installing several trail cameras at strategic locations on IOC property. The cameras recorded approximately 2,500 grey wolf video captures in 2021 alone. Once analysed, the footage allowed us to document the wolves’ activities and preferred locations on IOC property and provided insights into the number of wolves in the area, pack behaviour, temporal windows of activity, and more.
As a result of the monitoring programme, we have gained an understanding of wolf dynamics on our property and can better gauge the impact of our activities on these animals. We are committed to coexisting with wildlife and are actively investigating opportunities to accommodate wolves on IOC property while protecting them from any harm associated with human activities.
Bank swallowsThe bank swallow is a small migratory songbird that moves north to Canada each spring to breed and raise its young over the summer. Unlike most other songbirds, which build nests in trees, bank swallows dig nest burrows in substrates such as silty sand and other suitable materials. |
BatsWelcome to the understudied world of bats!Here at IOC, we recognize that we have a unique opportunity to contribute to the scientific study of bats, a nocturnal animal that has historically been misunderstood. |
PollinatorsThe smallest and busiest of creatures are often the most overlooked. Insects such as bumble bees, butterflies, wasps, and moths play a vital role in keeping an ecosystem in good health by pollinating flowering species so plants can reproduce. |
Grey wolvesThe Labrador grey wolf (Canis lupus labradorius) is a subspecies of grey wolf (Canis lupus) native to Labrador and Northern Quebec. |
