Cory Olson
Alberta Bat Program Coordinator
Western BatsCory Olson is the Coordinator for the Alberta Bat Program after playing this role for several years as a contractor.
He is leading the development of several public outreach, education, and research projects relating to bats and other wildlife, including a citizen science project to collect information on roosting bats. He first got involved with bats at the University of Calgary, where he completed an MSc degree focusing on bat ecology. Over the last 15 years, he has been involved with several bat research and monitoring projects in western Canada.
Stories and op-eds
At-risk bats in race against speedway for existence
The Rosebud River valley is a sensitive riparian habitat for bats that will be affected by a proposed motorsport track.Susan Holroyd, Cory Olson
Media coverage
Lethal bat disease detected in Alberta's Rocky Mountains for first time
Cory Olson says the public has a part to play in helping conserve the province's bats. "We have to have people appreciating bats and wanting to keep them in their community."
2026-03-29 | CBC
As deadly fungus spreads, Alberta turns to probiotics to save dwindling bat population
A treatment for white nose syndrome has been in the works for years by scientists at Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, McMaster University and Thompson Rivers University.
2025-08-06 | CBC
Bats are under threat from a deadly fungus. Here's how Alberta aims to mitigate the losses
Alberta Bat Program Coordinator Cory Olson comments on Alberta draft recovery plan for bat populations.
2024-09-16 | CBC
