Branding has been used for centuries on horses and cattle; more recently wildlife researchers have begun using hot-iron branding to identify marine mammals. Kristen Walker’s Ph.D. research focused on the pain and distress caused by branding and other marking methods in Steller sea lions, and how this could be avoided. Kristen’s work and other recent research on branding on horses were featured this week in an article published by Discovery News.
Steller sea lion branded for later identification by researchers. UBC research has explored ways of reducing the pain associated with branding and other marking methods