Bears in Pemberton

Bears are typically active in the Pemberton area from mid-March through late fall, but especially during August and September.

As more people - and more garbage - encroach on bear habitat, more bears are Photo by Dave Steers becoming garbage-conditioned, and have to be destroyed. According to the BC Ministry of Environment, about 950 Black Bears and 50 grizzlies are destroyed each year in BC. Not only is this a terrible waste of life, it is also very expensive: the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks' Conservation Officer Service spends about $1 million a year dealing with bear/people conflicts.

To report a problem bear, contact conservation:

Observe, Record & Report: 1-800-663-WILD (9453)

Conservation Officers will pursue a public tip if it is determined that there is a threat to livestock, property damage or human safety.

DON'T ATTRACT BEARS TO OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

Bears have a keen sense of smell and garbage, composts, and other food sources could easily attract a bear to our neighborhood. Cooking and kitchen smells, barbequing, bird feeders, fruit trees, composts and dog food are some of the common bear attractants. Most bears will overcome any natural fears if the promise of food is strong enough, and some will enter buildings, climb stairs to decks, and even climb through windows to investigate. Once a bear become accustomed to easy food sources, it is only a matter of time before conflict arises.

Here in Pemberton, it is especially important to keep your garbage in a secured shed or garage. Do not stockpile or bury garbage. If you have fruit trees, pick fruit as it ripens and clean up windfalls promptly. Get rid of any unwanted fruit trees.

For more information on identifying and preventing bear attractants, view the Province of BC publication, DON'T ATTRACT BEARS TO GARBAGE.

NEVER FEED OR APPROACH A BEAR

Never feed or approach a bear for any reason. If you see a bear in your neighbourhood, bring children and pets indoors. The bear is probably just passing through.

Although bear attacks are extremely rare, it is important to know how to safeguard yourself from unnecessary conflicts, ensuring minimal interaction and continued healthy bear populations. If you come across a bear while walking:

Stop.
Remain calm.
Never run. A bear can outrun you.
Back up slowly facing the bear.
Speak in a normal tone of voice so the bear can identify you and continue to back up.
If a bear approaches, talk louder and wave your arms or a stick above your head.
Escape to a secure area or car, if possible. Climbing a small tree may be effective, but bears are agile climbers.

HELP PEMBERTON BE A BEAR SMART COMMUNITY

"Pemberton Cleaning Up Its Act" Whistler Question Article, July 13, 2006 >
In 2005, the Village of Pemberton began its participation in the "Bear Smart Community Program" to identify areas of conflict between bears and humans and minimize the occurrence and impact of bear-human conflicts. This program is based on a series of criteria that communities must achieve in order to be designated as "Bear Smart". Initiatives under this goal in 2005 included the replacement of ten garbage receptacles with bear-proof containers, and the gradual replacement of Village crabapple trees (bear attractants) with decorative, non-fruit bearing trees.

In 2006, the Village continued the work towards Bear Smart by replacing more municipal garbage cans with bear proof containers and budgeted for further replacement of crabapple trees along Portage Road.

In 2007, there are plans to review and amend VoP bylaws with respect to regulations regarding waste and the responsible management of bear attractants.

Still in its early stages, for the Bear Smart initiative to be successful the involvement and and cooperation of all residents and business owners of Pemberton is required. Taking steps towards Bear Smart is not only a good-neighbour gesture, it is a commitment to public safety and wildlife protection. Please do your part to make Pemberton Bear Smart.

RESOURCES

GET BEAR SMART SOCIETY

The Get Bear Smart Society (GBS), based in Whistler, BC, champions progressive management policies that reduce both the number of human-bear conflicts and the number of bears destroyed.

BEAR AWARE BC

Bear Aware is an educational program designed to prevent and reduce conflicts between people and bears in our communities.

Last Updated on Wednesday, August 25, 2010