Urban Wildlife Information Network

A global initiative 

In the spring of 2019, Wild about Saskatoon hosted a keynote address and workshop by Dr. Maureen Murray of the Urban Wildlife Institute at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago. As a result of her visit here, we were able to bring together a team of partners to launch Saskatoon’s membership in UWIN, the Urban Wildlife Information Network. Saskatoon is only the second Canadian city (after Edmonton) to join this important, global initiative.

UWIN is an alliance of urban wildlife scientists committed to doing research to enhance the ability for people and wildlife to coexist in cities. Wild about Saskatoon is proud to work with the Meewasin Valley Authority, the Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (City of Saskatoon), and Dr. Ryan Brook’s lab at the University of Saskatchewan in bringing this exciting project to fruition. Graduate student Katie Harris is in charge of the research.

UWIN uses “camera traps” to capture images and information about wildlife behaviour in an array of urban habitats. For a glimpse at a few of the exciting sightings, check out the YXE Wildlife page on Facebook. An update on the project and its preliminary results can be found here.