In this personal account, Chad Dupuis from Slave Lake, Alta., reflects on his time at Alberta’s Carson Pegasus Provincial Park. For more stories like this, visit the CBC First Person FAQ.
On a scorching Sunday, the busiest day at Carson Pegasus Provincial Park, where I served as the maintenance supervisor for four years, our team readied over 120 camping sites for new visitors.
Despite the physical demands of park maintenance, like clearing trash and firepits, I was in high spirits as the day wound down.
After finishing my tasks, looking forward to a steak dinner, I entered my Winnebago only to find the meat missing, replaced by brown butcher paper on the floor.
Concerned, I scanned the camper, considering the nearby black bear I had encountered recently, but the scene didn’t match a bear intrusion.
Puzzled, I wondered if someone had taken the steaks, recalling past unauthorized entries in the area. However, the untouched jar of change suggested otherwise.
Searching for clues, my eyes landed on a softball-sized hole in the window screen, indicating a small animal had pilfered my meal.
Disappointed, like a child finding a chewed toy, I accepted the loss of my anticipated supper.
Having worked in the forest for years and encountering various wildlife, the incident served as a reminder of respecting animals’ domain and the unpredictability they bring.
While pondering the incident on my bed, I heard a growl beneath me, prompting me to investigate outside.
Opening a compartment door, a reddish-brown pine marten emerged, growling before climbing a tree, leaving me relieved but amused at the unexpected dinner thief.
As the marten kept watch, I chuckled, knowing this would be a tale to share with colleagues, content with a simple meal for the night.
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