Margo Supplies at the 28th Annual International Bear Conference in Edmonton, AB
Margo Supplies was excited to be a vendor and silver sponsor of the 28th Annual Bear Conference in Edmonton, AB this past week, September 15 – 21, 2024.
Margo Luminous Tracking Collar: The Future of Wildlife Tracking Technology
About The Margo Luminous Tracking Collar is the result of four years of re-imagining wildlife tracking technology. We incorporated a single housing design, solar charging, and state-of-the-art reception which unlocks performance never before seen in a two-way satellite tracking collar. Our 170g device can collect hourly GPS fixes on a long-term basis and in ideal conditions will relay position to our web interface seconds after collection – allowing near real-time monitoring. After extensive field testing, we are excited to release this product to the larger wildlife community. COLLAR FEATURES REPORTING FEATURES:
Using Electric Fencing to Manage Bear Conflict
Bear conflict, in large, is driven by food in Alberta. Margo Supplies Heavy Duty fence is the tool of choice for homeowners, hobby farms, and industry professionals. The Heavy Duty fence is a multi-functional carnivore fence that can be a standalone fence system or can be installed on an existing fence. Click the video below to watch Jay Honeyman is a bear conflict biologist with Alberta Environment and Parks. His job is large carnivore conflict mitigation and with that, he often deals with human-bear conflict. Jay explains the nature of these conflicts, and how installing a simple electric fence can protect high-value food sources from bears. From hobby farms to industry professionals, the benefits of electric fencing can be easily understood after speaking with Honeyman. “By reducing conflict and reducing these attractants so that bears aren’t interested in coming onto people’s properties. We’re not having to euthanize bears, we’re not having to relocate bears, we’re not having property damage for the landowner, and we’re not having public safety issues with bears hanging around properties.” Honeyman, 2021 Electric Fencing is an integral component for managing conflicts with bears, especially when bears are motivated to an area. Once a bear gets a food reward they become quite driven and they will return to the area. Electric fencing breaks this reward cycle and tells the bear that they need to move on. “By removing the food source, it’s a win-win for everyone, and it’s something we should be doing more of”
Model Comparison: Margo Electra Scare Cannons
Margo Supplies carries a variety of Margo Electra Scare Cannons Please note, each of the following cannons uses the Margo Electra Scare Cannon (1100) as a base model. Compare the models to find the best Electra for you. Margo Electra Scare Cannon (Base Model) 1100 The Margo Electra Scare Cannon uses an advanced digital clock for pre-set firing times, multi-shot bursts, and two random firing modes to reduce animal tolerance. Base Cannon: Margo Electra Scare Cannon Power Source: 12V Battery and Propane Control: Margo Digital Timer / Clock # Programmable Shots: 1-4 Tripod Compatible: Yes Available Upgrades: Margo Electra Rotating Tripod (1101) Solar Case Kit for Margo Electra (1103)Tripod Mountable Solar Kit (1102) Margo Electra with Push Button Control 1500 This cannon uses the Margo Electra Scare Cannon (1100) as a base, with the added push-button controller. The push-button controller allows the user to fire the cannon on demand. Base Cannon: Margo Electra Scare Cannon Power Source: 12V Battery and Propane Control: Push Button Controller # Programmable Shots: 1-4 Tripod Compatible: No Available Upgrades: Solar Case Kit for Margo Electra (1103) Margo Electra with High-Frequency Radio Control 1200 This cannon uses the Margo Electra Scare Cannon (1100) as a base with a High-Frequency Radio Controller (1301) that allows the user to fire the cannon remotely on a line-of-sight range of up to 8km (5mi). Radio operates at 900MHz with 99 channels. Base Cannon: Margo Electra Power Source: 12V Battery and Propane Control: High-Frequency Radio Control # Programmable Shots: 1-4 Tripod Compatible: Yes Available Upgrades: Margo Electra Rotating Tripod (1101) Solar Case Kit for Margo Electra (1103)Tripod Mountable Solar Kit (1102) Margo Electra with Cellular Control 1400 This cannon uses the Margo Electra Scare Cannon (1100) as a base with NEW Cellular control. Experience the added ease of remote firing and monitoring. Control your cannon, view its status, and customize settings from anywhere with an internet connection. Base Cannon: Margo Electra Power Source: 12V Battery and Propane Control: Cellular Data # Programmable Shots: 1-4 Tripod Compatible: Yes Available Upgrades: Margo Electra Rotating Tripod (1101) Solar Case Kit for Margo Electra (1103)Tripod Mountable Solar Kit (1102)
The Environmental Impacts of Bear Spray
Most bear sprays use a propellant that is being phased out in Canada and the USA, why? In the world of wildlife management and technology, we are constantly searching for new ways to make it easier for humans to co-exist with our natural surroundings. While many products cater to industry professionals, one of the most widely used animal management tools is bear spray. From outdoor enthusiasts to job sites, bear spray is often on hand for those who understand the dangers of bear encounters. But what happens when a life-saving tool like bear spray turns out to be bad for the environment? It can be difficult to balance the known benefits of a product like bear spray with the potential environmental impact that it has. Background Over the past decade, the USA and Canada have passed legislation that attempts to limit the use of known pollutants. One such pollutant is the propellant 134a, which is used in most available bear sprays. The governments of these countries have allowed the limited use of 134a in bear spray because up until recently, there was no known alternative. Over the past year, Counter Assault has discovered an alternative to 134a that significantly reduces the environmental impact of bear spray. The new propellant creates about 120 metric tonnes of CO2 which is about 9.5 times less than the widely used 134a propellant, which creates 1,144 tonnes of CO2. The Environmental Impacts of Bear Spray: A Comparison If we compare 10,000 cans of bear spray, which typically contain between 80g – 150g of propellant per can, this is how they stack up: Current Bear Spray (134a propellant) GWP = 1,430 Bear Sprays that use the 134a propellant have a Greenhouse Gas Effect of 1,430x that of CO2. Counter Assault Low-Emission Bear Spray GWP = 150 Counter Assault Bear Spray uses a new propellant that has a Greenhouse Gas Effect of 150x that of CO2. The most readily available bear sprays on the market still use 134a as a propellant, which has a significantly higher Greenhouse Gas Effect compared to the new alternative. At Margo Supplies, we are proud to carry Counter Assault Low Emission Bear Spray, a major innovation in bear deterrent technology. Read more about Bear Deterrents:
What is in Bear Spray and How Does it Work?
If you work or visit areas where bears may be present, you might have been told to “be prepared with bear spray”, but what is actually in bear spray and how does it work? In short, bear spray is the last line of defense against bear attacks. While many bear encounters do not result in the use of bear spray, in close contact encounters, it has been proven to minimize harm and prevent fatalities. In a study conducted in Alaska, it was found that 98% of people who carried bear spray were uninjured in a close-range bear encounter. In a study of 83 bear-related incidents, 98% of people who carried bear spray were uninjured in a close-range bear encounter EFFICACY OF BEAR DETERRENT SPRAY IN ALASKA, 2010 How does it work? Bear spray is an aerosol, similar to hair spray or bug spray. Aerosols are a combination of propellants and solvents under pressure that are contained within a can. The propellant is what allows for the solvent to be dispersed into the air. To learn more about handling bear spray click here Most bear sprays use a propellant called R134a, popular for its non-flammable and non-toxic properties. R134a was recently banned in Canada without an essential-use permit due to its negative environmental impact. To learn more about the environmental impacts of bear spray, click here The solvent is the product that is being dispersed into the air. In the case of bear spray, the solvent or product is called capsaicin. Capsaicin is the active component of chili peppers. It is commonly used in food products, pharmaceuticals and animal deterrents. Capsaicin creates a burning sensation upon contact, making it an irritant to mammals, including humans. Read more about Bear Deterrents:
Model Comparison: What Scare Cartridge Launcher Do I Need?
Margo Supplies provides the Best Launchers for wildlife management. Compare the models of Scare Cartridge Launchers to find the best launchers for you Margo Thunderstick (#5800) a non-gun launcher designed specifically for the airport and industrial use. The Thunderstick is easy to use and has 3 safety mechanisms: A safety switch, a pin, and a gravity trigger that locks the trigger when the launcher is pointed downward. Blanks: 6mm Good For: Heavy industrial use. 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: No Fast Firing: Yes Ease of Maintenance: Simple maintenance at the end of each use. Record Single-Shot (#5100) a simple and affordable option that is easy to maintain. The single-shot uses 6mm crimped blanks. It is Ideal for hikers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts as well as for light industrial use. It comes in a bright safety orange colour. Blanks: 6mm Good For: Affordable low volume use. 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: No Fast Firing: Moderate, Ease of Maintenance: Simple daily maintenance. Record Double-Shot (#5101) Unlike the single-record shot, this launcher can load 2 blanks and cartridges at a time to be fired in quick succession. Ideal for hikers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts as well as for light industrial use. It comes in a bright safety orange colour. Blanks: 6mm Good For: Affordable low volume use. 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: No Fast Firing: Moderate, Double Shot allows for more aggressive hazing. Ease of Maintenance: Simple daily maintenance. RG-3 (#5120) The RG-3 is one of our more compact launcher options. Simple in its use and easy to carry. Blanks: 6mmGood For: Light to moderate industrial use. 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: NoFast Firing: YesEase of Maintenance: Simple daily, frequent deep cleans RG-300 (#5170) The RG-300 is very similar to the RG-3, but the RG-300 loads 10 blanks in a clip. Blanks: 6mmGood For: Light to moderate industrial use. 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: NoFast Firing: YesEase of Maintenance: Simple daily, frequent deep cleans. RG-59 (#5500) The RG-59 revolver uses .380 blanks and can load up to 5 at a time. This launcher is able to be used with the 5 shot adapter which screws into the barrel and allows for simultaneous launching of any combination of up to five 15mm pyrotechnic scare cartridges. Blanks: .380 Good For: Aggressive scaring and cold weather use. 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: YesFast Firing: YesEase of Maintenance: Simple daily with detailed monthly cleans. RG-89 (#5600) The RG-89 revolver is the more weighty version of the RG-59. It also uses .380 blanks. Blanks: .380Good For: Aggressive Scaring 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: YesFast Firing: YesEase of Maintenance: Simple daily with detailed monthly cleans. RG-88 (#5350) The RG-88 is a dependable semi-automatic launcher that uses 9mm P.A. blanks. It has a 7 blank clip capacity for rapid deployment. This launcher can be used with the 5-shot adapter. Separate magazines can be purchased for speed loading and firing. Blanks: 9mm P.A.Good For: Aggressive Scaring 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: YesFast Firing: YesEase of Maintenance: Simple daily with detailed monthly cleans. At varying price points and purposes, our range of launchers suits many different needs. If you are interested in any of the above but are unsure of what would work best for you, call or email Margo Supplies to find out more.
Margo Critter Guard : A Versatile Wildlife Deterrent
ABOUT The Margo Gadfly is effective at scaring a large variety of wildlife with its motion-activated siren alarm and flashing scare eye. Portable, sturdy, and weather-resistant, the Gadfly protects against most mammals. From deterring elk from feeding on haystacks, deer eating in vegetable gardens, or even cougars from attacking livestock, the Gadfly does it all. Protect your land and other assets from predators, wildlife, and other animals with a universal, and affordable solution. Named after a fly that bites livestock, the Gadfly is a nuisance to animals, making favorable areas undesirable for habitation, feeding, or interfering with your property. “We hope that people start using the alarm and more people understand that we can live with these predators” – Iris Gadunov, Land Owner HOW IT WORKS When an animal is within range of the Gadfly, the motion-detector will trigger a combination of piercing wailing and flashing red predator lights, signaling to animals that trespassing in this area is dangerous. THE DESIGN The Gadfly was designed with every environment in mind. Utilizing a rugged and solar-powered design allows for portable and reliable placement, wherever you may need to keep wildlife away. The adjustable sensitivity and multiple light settings allow the user to customize their wildlife deterrent strategy with ease. SPECS Range The Gadfly Alarm detects movement at a 160-degree angle with a low sensitivity of ~3m (10ft) and a high sensitivity range of ~11m (35ft) away. Sound Up to 105dB sirens with three different modes. A variable sensitivity switch allows users to fine-tune the alarm to their ideal conditions. TESTING Tested in both arctic and rainforest environments and everything in between, the Margo Gadfly is a staple in wildlife deterrent technology. It is great to deter both small and large animals without requiring regular maintenance. “When they tracked the lions, they saw that they stalked the perimeter of the Gadfly Alarms so we can see that they are effective“ – IRIS GADUNOV SEE IT IN ACTION
