Chad Dupuis, a resident of Slave Lake, Alberta, and an employee at Alberta Parks since 2017, shared a firsthand experience about living and working in the forest. While working as the maintenance supervisor at Carson Pegasus Provincial Park, he encountered a surprising event one Sunday, the busiest day of the week.
After a day of preparing over 120 camping sites for new arrivals, Chad was in a good mood as he wrapped up his tasks. However, upon returning to his Winnebago, he discovered that his steak for dinner was missing. Initially suspecting a nearby black bear that had visited the area earlier, he realized the situation was different as there was no significant mess.
Upon inspecting his camper, Chad found a hole in the window screen, indicating an animal intrusion. Realizing that a critter had stolen his dinner, he felt a sense of defeat similar to a childhood experience of a dog chewing a new toy. This incident served as a reminder that wildlife in the forest are unpredictable, emphasizing the importance of respecting their habitat.
As Chad sat in his camper, he heard a growl beneath the bed, prompting him to investigate. He discovered a pine marten, a weasel family member, which had taken his steak. After the marten ran off, Chad chuckled at the unexpected turn of events, knowing it would make a great story for his colleagues.
Reflecting on the incident, Chad acknowledged the wildlife’s dominance in their natural environment, teaching him to remain vigilant and respectful of their presence. This unique encounter with the pine marten added a memorable twist to his routine day at Carson Pegasus Provincial Park.