What does the consent form say? Read in advance!

Dear Participant,

You are invited to participate in this study which tracks and records the movement of wildlife (such as coyotes, deer, rabbits, raccoons, porcupines, and skunks) through the backyards, parks, and alleyways of Lethbridge, Alberta. In direct consultation with you, and in your presence, 1 – 4 trail cameras will be placed on your property for a period of 7 – 14 days. They will be retrieved afterwards at an agreed date and time.

You should be aware that you sacrifice no rights by agreeing to participant in this research. You have the right to withdraw from this study at any time and for any reason. Any information you provide will remain confidential and anonymous. Should you consent to participate, you will only be identified by a pseudonym and approximate age category. Your property will be identified as being located in 1 of 12 Lethbridge regions (4 in West Lethbridge, 4 in North Lethbridge, and 4 in South Lethbridge).

There are no risks or discomfort during this research, nor are there any direct benefits to you in doing this research. All the same, should you have any questions or concerns regarding your participation you may ask the primary researchers PhD Student Leila Armstrong or Professor Louise Barrett, whose contact details are provided above. Questions regarding your rights as a participant in this research may be addressed to the Office of Research Services, University of Lethbridge (phone: 403-329-2747; email: research.services@uleth.ca).

Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. While we are certainly interested in the data you may provide, we hope that you will view your role in this study as an active co-investigator. The only way this is possible is if you feel you are fully informed.

Feel free to ask questions you deem relevant at any time. In fact, we encourage your input in what we are doing and we will answer your questions to the best of our ability. Any comments or suggestions you may have about the research are greatly appreciated.

Please contact PhD Student Leila Armstrong or Professor Louise Barrett at any time to check on the progress of the research. The data you provide, when combined with that of the other participants, will be used in scientific publications and presentation at scientific conferences.

By signing below you are consenting to participate in Backyard Wilderness: an investigation into the urban ecology of Lethbridge.

With best wishes,

Leila Armstrong

Louise Barrett, PhD