WHO WE ARE
The South Rockies Grizzly Bear Project is led by scientists from the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. The project also includes a project coordinator, partners from local universities and numerous volunteers.
The SRGBP core team includes the following individuals:
Dr. Bruce McLellan –
Bruce has been studying bears in the Flathead valley of southeast British Columbia since 1978. Bruce has been studying grizzlies for the B.C. government for 35 years and is co-chair of the bear specialist group with the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Dr. Garth Mowat – Large Carnivore Specialist
Garth began sampling bears for the SRGBP in 2006, using hair collection and genetic analysis. His study area includes a large portion of Southeast British Columbia that includes Bruce’s original study area. His current research for the project includes examining diet and population dynamics for grizzly bears. Garth is currently the Large Carnivore Specialist for the Province of British Columbia.
Clayton Lamb – PhD Candidate
Clayton joined the SRGBP in 2013. He is currently investigating population limiting factors of grizzly bears for his PhD work at University of Alberta. Clayton’s current research works at the interface of population ecology, carnivore co-existence and wildlife management. Clayton will begin his PhD defense in Fall 2019.
Laura Smit – Wildlife Technician
Laura joined the SRGBP as a Wildlife Technician in 2015. Laura is involved in all aspects of research for the SRGBP, and is currently assisting in research examining diet and population dynamics for grizzly bears, in Southeastern B.C.
Emma van Tussenbroek – Project Coordinator
Emma joined the SRGP as a Wildlife Technician in 2014 and in 2018 became the Project Coordinator. Emma grew up in Australia and for the last 10 years she has been living in Canada. One of Emma’s many tasks for the project is to coordinate the volunteers who collect many of the hair samples for DNA and isotope analysis.