Proceedings of the fifth mountain lion workshop: 27

4 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIFTH MOUNTAIN LION WORKSHOP
KNUT ATKINSON
Knut Atkinson and fellow biologist Rick Davies disappeared on October 18, 1996 while attempting to cross Downton
Lake, near Gold Bridge, on the start of a hunting trip. A long time friend of the Atkinson family, Jack Morton, was also part of
this ill-fated trip.
Knut spent most of his career working on Vancouver Island for the Wildlife Management Section of BC Environment.
He became a member of our work family in 1982, as field biologist on a wolf research project. Knut was just completing his
post graduate study on coyotes, had the qualifications we were looking for, and quickly became a resident of Woss, a small
logging community on northern Vancouver Island.
During the 4 year project, Knut proved that he possessed the necessary skills and character to successfully conduct a
rigorous and at times controversial project. He displayed an intense desire to learn as much as possible about our wildlife
heritage, both through field observation and the literature, and gained the respect of his peers, conservation officers, and wildlife
enthusiasts throughout the province.
Being a very social person, living on his own in relative isolation was not easy for Knut. We provided him with a trailer,
and the money he saved on accommodation went toward his large telephone bills. He loved having visitors, although the trailer
was so full of records and books it was a challenge to find a place to sit. It was during this time that Knut established his
reputation for hard rock music, sci-fi literature, and a somewhat questionable taste in wine!
Following completion of the wolf study, Knut became the regional carnivore biologist, working primarily on black bear,
grizzly bear, wolf and cougar management. In 1989 he initiated a study on cougar ecology and behavior, and ensured its success
through his dedication and perseverance. His passion and knowledge of these large carnivores made him a leading expert in this
field. The cougar project also established his reputation as a marksman. On one particular day, Knut and his field assistants treed
a large male, and after several 'near hits', as Knut called them, the cat was finally hit with a dart and immobilized. An assistant
climbed the tree and was in the process of lowering the cat to the ground, when it began to regain mobility. Calling for another
dart to be shot, the assistant looked down at Knut's wavering aim, and recalling the previous 'near hits', yelled down "never mind.
I'll take my chances with the cat!".
In addition to his network with professional colleagues across North America, Knut had a special talent for
communicating with the general public and young school children. He enjoyed the opportunity to visit schools and share his
knowledge and experience with the children, and was frequently called upon by the media for information on bears, cougar, and
wolf. This talent was most appreciated by fellow co-workers during those stressful situations associated with human/cougar
confrontations resulting in serious injury or death.
Recently, Knut initiated a study on inventory techniques for grizzly bear on the mainland coast, and organized a new
cougar study to be started this winter. We hope to continue and fully implement these projects in 1997, as an ongoing tribute
to Knut's contributions.
Knut enjoyed hunting, hiking, and camping with family and friends. He was a loving husband to Bea, and a proud father
of daughter Lorien (4) and son Liam (2). Outspoken and gregarious, his good humor and friendship will be missed by all.
Doug Janz, Wildlife Section Head
Gerry Brunham, Wildlife Control Offices
BC Environment, Nanaimo, BC