Chad Dupuis, an Alberta Parks employee since 2017, shared a recent encounter he had while living and working in Carson Pegasus Provincial Park. As the maintenance supervisor, Chad was busy preparing camping sites for new arrivals on a hot Sunday. Despite the demanding work of cleaning up the park and setting up campsites, Chad was in good spirits as the day neared its end.
Returning to his Winnebago, Chad anticipated a delightful barbecue dinner only to discover his steaks missing. Initially suspecting a nearby black bear, Chad soon realized the meat had been stolen by a smaller critter that chewed through his camper’s window screen.
Reflecting on his experience, Chad acknowledged the importance of respecting wildlife in their natural habitat. He recounted various encounters with animals over the years, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant and not become complacent to their presence.
Upon hearing a growl under his bed, Chad cautiously investigated and found a pine marten, a weasel family member, which had taken his dinner. The furry intruder eventually left, allowing Chad to appreciate the unexpected wildlife encounter.
As he settled for a meal with Mr. Noodle that evening, Chad looked forward to sharing his amusing story with his colleagues the following day. The incident served as a reminder of the wild and unpredictable nature of forest inhabitants, urging him to maintain a healthy respect for the animals he encounters in his work environment.