Bear Aware — reducing bear-human conflicts
Black bear (CVGuide archive photo)
After plans for a bear cub rehabilitation project at Fromme Mountain on Vancouver’s North Shore were abandoned, the money that had been earmarked for the project has been re-directed into the Bear Aware Program and the BC government is now able to provide $357,000 over two years to bring this program to British Columbia communities this summer.
Environment Minister Barry Penner announced the funding, saying, “Bear Aware is a valuable and proven tool that helps reduce bear-human conflicts. We are making this funding available to ensure more people learn how to keep bears out of their yards and neighbourhoods and to keep bears out of trouble.”
Community co-ordinators will be hired by the government as part of the BC Conservation Corps, to work closely with the public, conservation officers and local officials to identify and resolve bear-related issues at the community level. They will train volunteers, and provide materials for presentations and displays in schools, events and public spaces. They will also go door-to-door in neighborhoods where there have been long-term bear problems, giving advice and helping individuals to develop skills.
Bear Aware programs will be offered in 15 communities this year, including: Kamloops, Kimberley, Squamish, North Vancouver, Castlegar, Fernie, Revelstoke, Rossland, Golden, Elk Valley, Kaslo, Whistler and Bella Coola. Rural areas between Nelson, Creston and Cranbrook will also get a program as will the Upper and Lower Slocan Valley, and the North Arrow Lakes area.
Simple things like changing the way garbage is handled in a community, purchasing new bear-proof litter cans and dumpsters, amending wildlife corridors or green spaces and removing un-used fruit trees can reduce the food attractors. “…bears are simply animals seeking whatever food they can find; the onus is on us to prevent conflicts,” said Deborah Gibson, executive director of the BC Conservative Foundation.
For more information on Bear Aware, visit http://www.bearaware.bc.ca
