Large Carnivore Seminar - University of Wolverhampton

As part of our BSc Animal behaviour and Wildlife Conservation our second year students take part in the Wildlife Seminar in the Beskidy Mountains. We have now visited four times, and each time the students have had a fantastic time, immersing themselves in the landscape and the species that live there. In particular the opportunity to be right in the heart of ‘carnivore country’ is central to the experience.  Learning first-hand about the behaviour, ecology and conservation of large carnivores and the interactions they have with people in a living landscape is fascinating. Walking transects and tracking individual animals through the forests and the excitement of what may be round the next corner is always part of the enjoyment. Finding your first prints, kill and even scat (surprisingly interesting!) is a moment to remember. Whilst the animals themselves avoid people and are extremely difficult to see (we have heard wolves and been within perhaps 10 metres while tracking), unless you put yourselves in the right place you have no chance of seeing them. Our colleagues at the Wildlife Seminars and Association for Nature Wolf provide that opportunity and have helped us share life-changing experiences with our students.

Chris