Bears are naturally scared of people, but if we attract them and let them forage in our backyard, they become bolder in our presence, which could lead to dangerous situations.
Bears are fast runners, excellent swimmers and climbers.
Relocating bears or killing them hasn't changed the problem; the objective is more to keep bears outside of our communities and in their natural habitat, which could reduce significantly the amount of encounters.
The bear season is from mid March to late fall, they hibernate the rest of the time except during mild winters, where they might not hibernate at all.
While black bears are the most common bears found in British Columbia, they represent
25% of the black bear population found in Canada.
RISKS:
Many bears are just passing through our towns, farms and campsites, looking for food (fruits in orchards or in bushes along trails, or human type food in garbage, compost bins or campsites). If these bears don't find rewards they move on and may never return.
Not all bears represent the same level of threat. While grizzly bears are much more rare, they may be tempted by the same scents as black bears. Grizzly bears are considered more dangerous because they respond to threats much differently than black bears. This makes Grizzlies even less compatible with people, towns, farms and campgrounds.
DURING AN ENCOUNTER:
According to the Black Bear Task Team of Whistler, here is how to react in presence of a bear:
Do not panic, talk in a normal voice to get identified and start backing up slowly, don't run.
If the bear starts moving closer: make yourself big and look for a safe shelter nearby.
Use bear sprays only in last resort, in case of aggressive behaviour from the bear, don't use them if the bear is using a defensive attitude (which is usually the case).
SOME SOLUTIONS:
Both "Bear Aware" and "Bear Smart Society" suggest those solutions:
While hiking:
Make noise or bring a dog on a leash, so bears have time to hear you come and get away, seal your containers to contain the smell and avoid wearing sweet fragrances.
Always face a bear but don't look at it in the eyes, as it is a sign of challenge.
Do not approach or interact with cubs, even if they seem to be by themselves, their mother is never too far away (and she is very protective or her babies).
Watch for signs of a bear presence: rub on trees, droppings, fresh tracks on the ground, berry patches and take another trail.
Warn your neighbours, and call a Conservation Officer (1-800-667-4321) if a bear represent a threat in your neighbourhood
At home or while camping:
Clean barbecues after use, especially meat and fish leftovers.
Remove bird feeders from March to December, even if unused.
Do not compost meat, fish and dairy products, sprinkle regularly lime on the compost to reduce the odours and accelerate the procesus.
Do not leave garbage out at night, or else, use bear proof garbage.
Do not feed pets (or store pet food) outside.
Remove fruits from trees as soon as they are ripe, or even before if possible.
When finding a bear on your property, remain calm, be firm and don't let them feel comfortable on your property (make noise, yell from a distance), do not run (you would lose the race).
Don't feed bears and don't let them feel comfortable in your yard.
