The Wildlife Analytics Lab is a fee-for-service initiative offering cementum analysis of wildlife teeth. Cementum analysis is a technique that involves analyzing the layers of cementum (mineralized tissue that surrounds the roots of teeth) that form distinct annuli (rings) as animals age.
By interpreting cementum layers in combination with an understanding of other characteristics, such as an animals life cycle, analysts can accurately determine the age of wildlife species. This highly sought-after information is used to inform and support wildlife management and conservation initiatives across the world. The Wildlife Analytics Lab creates training, research and employment opportunities for current students, along with collaborative research opportunities for employees.
Hunters
If you are a hunter, outfitter, or other individual who would like to have wildlife teeth aged, click here to create an account, and place an order under “Event and Products”
Hunters
Step-by-step instructions to create an account and make a purchase can be found here.
Once you have purchased a Cementum Analysis service, complete this online form (this can also be found on your LC Extension Account) or print and send this form in with your samples. Your transaction ID can be found on the purchase receipt.
Ship us your samples!
See our Tooth Extraction Guide for more information on which tooth to send us and how to package for shipping. Don’t have small envelopes? Download our printable envelopes here. All shipments should be addressed to:
Wildlife Analytics Lab
Lethbridge Polytechnic
3000 College Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
T1K 1L6
Results will be sent to the account holders e-mail within the timeframes listed below.
Important Notice
Our cementum analysis team is off campus for the summer. We are still accepting samples which will be processed in the fall based on our regular scheduling.
Visit our Individual Pricing and Scheduling page for details
Biologists
If you are a biologist, researcher or agency looking to have wildlife teeth aged, please fill out this form to receive a quote.
Biologists
The Wildlife Analytics Lab has aged thousands of teeth from over 13 species across Canada, providing reliable data for wildlife research and management. For projects with 50+ samples, we offer discounted group pricing and flexible scheduling options.
Planning Your Project?
Our cementum analysis team is off campus for the summer. We’re still accepting samples, with processing resuming in the fall.
Rush processing may be available depending on project size and lab capacity.
Explore our Group Pricing and Scheduling details to get started.
Have a project you'd like to discuss?
Start by filling out our Biologist Quote Request Form, and we’ll provide a custom quote tailored to your needs. We work closely with each client to ensure our services and results align with your project goals. If your project requires services beyond what’s listed, don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re here to help.
What we do
Tooth Extraction
The Wildlife Analytics Lab will provide tooth extraction services, for an additional fee, when full jaws (mandibles) are submitted. This will include the removal of the preferred tooth type (based on species) and subsequent cleaning of the teeth.
Download a tooth-extraction guide
Sample Preparation
Samples received by the Wildlife Analytics Lab are processed by trained technicians using proven methods and state-of-the-art technology. Teeth are cleaned, decalcified, and embedded in wax before being thinly sliced with a microtome. These slices are then mounted to a slide and stained to show the cementum annuli layers.
Cementum Analysis
Our stained sections are analyzed by scientists trained in cementum analysis. As an interpretive science, accurate cementum analysis requires more than simply counting annuli. Species-specific tooth eruption phenology, seasonal variation in nutrition, and harvest schedules for game species are just some of the factors considered when analysts assign an age to a tooth.
Providing Accurate Results
When you have your samples analyzed at the Wildlife Analytics Lab you can expect to receive a professional report outlining your results. Based on the level of analysis requested, reports can include the age of the samples analyzed, digital images of the stained cementum annuli, and a basic or comprehensive data analysis report. Contact us for more information and pricing on the package to best suit your needs.
Samples submitted by hunters, outfitters, or other individuals will have results provided within the following timelines:
- Samples received by the Lab between Sept. 1 - Jan. 15 of the current hunting season will have results returned on or before the following Feb. 15.
- Samples received between Jan. 15 and March 15 will have results returned on or before April 15 of the same year.
- Samples received after March 15 but before Sept. 1 will have results returned within 30 days.
Every reasonable effort will be made to return results as soon as possible. Should results be available prior to the above dates, you will be notified. If you have submitted a sample but haven’t received results within these timelines, contact us with your name, email address, and a brief description of your submission.
Work with us
How we can help you
As the first Canadian laboratory to provide wildlife cementum analysis, the Wildlife Analytics Lab works with individuals, agencies and researchers across the country to inform and improve wildlife conservation and management, including epidemiology studies (such as chronic wasting disease) and harvest-allocations for game species. While widely used tooth replacement and wear techniques can provide an age-class estimate for younger animals, cementum analysis is proven to be the most accurate method for aging teeth.
View terms and conditions for submitting wildlife teeth to the lab here.
How we help students
The Wildlife Analytics Lab directly benefits students in a variety of programs and the institution. Students in the Renewable Resources Management, Natural Resource Compliance and Bachelor of Ecosystem Management learn cutting edge technology that is directly related to wildlife management in Alberta and across the world. Opportunities to volunteer, collaborate on student projects and employ students in the lab, as dictated by demand, allow the lab to involve and train students. These types of experiences also help satisfy student work-integrated learning requirements and ensure graduates are prepared for meaningful employment in the field. Clients interested in entering data sharing agreements with student researchers may be eligible for price incentives.
Who we are
Dr. Everett Hanna is a designated professional biologist, registered professional biologist and certified wildlife biologist with more than 15 years of experience in wildlife research and conservation as an academic and consulting wildlife biologist. He started working with cementum analysis as an undergraduate student and brings over 20 years of experience to Lethbridge Polytechnic and developing tooth aging techniques. Everett leads lab operations, including client relations, sample analysis, quality assurance/control, data analysis and dissemination of results.
Billy holds a bachelor of science degree, in environmental science and currently works as the Chemistry Lab Technician III for Lethbridge Polytechnic’s School of Environmental Sciences. He also manages the chemical elements of lab operations for the Wildlife Analytics Lab.
How to reach us
Phone: 403-320-3202, x6088
Email: wildlife_analytics_lab@lethpolytech.ca