Carrie Loomis – Helping mitigate human-bear conflict
2023 Mitchell Center Intern
Academic Program: Communication, UMaine
Project: Bear Outreach and Education Program
Team Leaders: Emily Uhrig, UMaine Center for Research on Sustainable Forests; Amanda DeMusz, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
What problem/s are you working to solve?
Most people who live in Maine cite closeness to nature as one of the major attractions, but sometimes being close to nature can cause an equal amount of frustration. This is true in Aroostook County, where bears are known to frequent urban areas, often drawn by attractants like garbage or birdfeeders.
What progress are you making toward solutions?
One method of managing these conflicts is informing and reinforcing the knowledge of how to limit, secure, and remove attractants of wildlife. In doing so, I hope to strengthen the public’s knowledge of how to safely interact and live with the region’s bears.
How could your findings contribute to a sustainable future in Maine and beyond?
To me, a sustainable future is more than seeking the newest scientific discovery, but instead involves learning to live with and respect the natural world that we rely on. I hope that this project can contribute to fostering this respect.
Why did you get involved with this internship project?
Honestly, when I heard about the project, I was thrilled. There truly is no work that would be better suited to my interests and experiences. I’m so grateful to the collaborators that have made this internship possible.
What do you find rewarding about collaborating with stakeholders? Most challenging?
I love being about to hear different perspectives and see the world through other people’s eyes. Coincidentally, this can also be incredibly challenging as disagreement is not always comfortable.
Where do you hope to be in five years?
I imagine myself pursuing my doctorate degree and continuing collaborating with others to work towards finding solutions to complicated problems. Even if I’m not pursuing a formal degree, I know that I will be learning every day.
What’s your ultimate Maine experience?
My ultimate Maine experience is spending my days in the summer hiking, kayaking, and exploring the state.