Grand Forks has a new WildSafeBC community coordinator. Brydie Todd, who hails from Grand Forks, is pleased to take over the program after completing her biology degree at the University of Victoria. Todd, who replaces Laurie Grant, trained for the position in Kamloops in May and took over officially on June 1.
Todd’s role as WildSafe coordinator is to provide education to reduce human-wildlife conflict in the community.
“I’m looking forward to going into the schools and bringing some education to children in a fun and informal way. I’ll be at the Farmers’ Market as much as I can as well as other community events. I’ll be going door to door a little bit as well.”
Todd said she will also be working with the deer committee to come up with solutions for the deer issue. She is also planning speaking engagements at the library.
“Essentially, anything the community feels they would like to contribute to, they can contact me,” she said.
Todd said her university background in biology will come in handy for the job.
“(My schooling is actually) tied directly right into this,” she said. “My main interest (in school) was in environmental studies and ecology so I’ve done a lot about animal behaviour and habitats. This is right up my alley as far as my education.”
Todd said there are other animal conflicts aside from the deer issue in the region such as bears, rattlesnakes, coyotes and other predators.
“It’s really important for us humans to manage our attractants and make it less desirable for bears and other predators to come into our community,” she said. “That helps—that way the bears stay safe and the community stays safe.”
Todd has enjoyed the job so far although it’s been a quick learning process. She has already been to the farmers’ market where she was able to meet some people in the community.
“I was there last Friday,” she said. “It was great. It was a little slow as the season is amping up. I talked to lots of people and got to learn their interests. It was lots of fun.”
Anyone wishing to reach Todd can email grandforks@wildsafebc.com or call 250-442-7373.
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