Endangered Vancouver Island marmot numbers get a boost

Endangered Vancouver Island marmot numbers get a boost

Wildlife researchers are optimistic for the future of the critically endangered Vancouver Island marmot species, after they counted a record 86 wild-born pups this summer. The Vancouver Island marmot, which is endemic to its namesake, is one of the country’s most endangered species. The Marmot Recovery Foundation estimates there were fewer than 30 in the wild about 20 years … Read more

Jasper wildfire latest disaster in climate claim deluge facing Canada’s insurance sector

Jasper wildfire latest disaster in climate claim deluge facing Canada’s insurance sector

Hotter summers in Canada that have sparked wildfires in tourist areas, intense hailstorms and thunderstorms with severe flooding in major cities, all likely linked to climate change, are leading to personnel shortages and potentially claims adjustment delays, according to insurance sector insiders. The industry depends on teams of insurance adjusters to look into claims and … Read more

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that’s on the rise in Canada

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that’s on the rise in Canada

Tick experts are warning Canadians to be on the lookout for symptoms of a tick-borne disease whose case counts have been steadily increasing over the past 15 years. Anaplasmosis is an infection contracted by humans and animals caused by the Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria and spread by ticks.  In the early 2000s, provinces and territories began reporting a handful … Read more

Lyme disease might be more common, but this tick-borne disease is on the rise in Canada

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that’s on the rise in Canada

Tick experts are warning Canadians to be on the lookout for symptoms of a tick-borne disease whose case counts have been steadily increasing over the past 15 years. Anaplasmosis is an infection contracted by humans and animals caused by the Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria and spread by ticks.  In the early 2000s, provinces and territories began reporting a handful … Read more

Alaskapox death brings attention to small animal virus

Alaskapox death brings attention to small animal virus

For nine years, Alaska health officials have been aware of an unusual virus causing rare, relatively mild illnesses in the Fairbanks area. But a recent case in another part of the state — this one resulting in a man’s death — has brought new attention to the  Alaskapox virus. Here’s some background on the virus. What … Read more