Tracy McKay, Grizzly Bear Researcher with the Foothills Research Institute, presents grizzly bear response to oil and gas activities around their operating sites (wellsites and wellsite access roads). Researchers also looked at the mortality risk for grizzlies in west central Alberta.
There is some evidence that grizzlies are around wellsites in the spring and more likely around roads in the fall. There is some increased risk for human-bear interactions which means there are safety risks for workers and dangers for bears. Mortality risk mapping shows an increase from 2004 to 2006 as wellsite roads were built in the study area. The risk is moderate. The researchers are looking at pipeline use by bears and will report on that in March 2013.
Tracy McKay was presenting at the Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada's Forum on Resource Access and Ecological Issues, November 2012.
