Preventing Human-Bear Conflicts for Tree Planters

1. Preventing Human-Bear Conflicts for Tree Planters Presented by: Get Bear Smart Society For: Western Silvicultural Contractors’ Association

2. Who we are? • The Get Bear Smart Society (GBS), is a registered Canadian charity, based in Whistler, BC. • We champion progressive bear management policies that reduce both the number of human-bear conflicts and the number of bears destroyed. • Our mission is to provide a safe environment in which people and bears can coexist in harmony.

3. What we do? • educational programs directed to residents (pamphlets and other educational materials, ads, presentations, neighbourhood bear watch program etc.) • source: becoming a bear smart community (work with OMNR, MC, GBA) • bear aversion training – RCMP, B.C. Conservation Officer Service • Scientific/Professional Advisors – Dan LeGrandeur (Bear Scare Ltd.), Dr. Lynn Rogers, Dr. Stephen Herrero (Staying Safe in BC Committee), Wayne McCrory (RPBio), Dr. John Beecham, Hal Morrison, Carrie Hunt, Ben Kilham, Steve Searles, Tony Hamilton (Bear Working Group)

4. What’s the problem? • forestry workers in bear country are in a higher risk category of attack causing serious injury or fatality (account for 13% of attacks in BC) • bear attacks are exceedingly rare • two main types: defensive, predatory (different ways to respond to each) • most serious or fatal bear attacks happen to groups of one or two people • certain bears used to feeding on people’s food and garbage become dangerous and in worst cases have killed people • number of attacks are increasing each decade (more people in bear country)

5. What’s the problem… cont’d Camps without proper protection are hazards to people and bears • B.C. Wildlife Act – It is an offence for people to feed dangerous wildlife (e.g. bears, cougars, coyotes and wolves) or to disobey orders to remove and clean up food, food waste, or other substances that can attract ‘dangerous’ wildlife. • immediate fine $575 • charged under act and go to court – face penalties of upto $50,000 and/or 6 months in jail

6. Work Bear Safe • know about bears • your best defense in bear country is your brain – knowledge and understanding of bear behaviour and preventing conflict • stay alert and avoid surprising bears or working alone • avoid attracting bearswith food/garbage • establish bear smart camping practices

7. Work Bear Safe • bear safety educational programs incorporated into annual training • written materials (pamphlets, guide booklets) • videos (Staying Safe in Bear Country, Working in Bear Country) • presentations/workshops (GBS, BearScare) • personal safety – bear spray, portable radio, knowledge of bear aversion tactics and deterrents

8. Work Bear Safe • attractants: bear resistant food storage systems, bear-proof garbage containment • bear smart camps – portable electric fence (solar/battery powered), noise deterrents, passive bear aversion tools, guardian dogs

9. Passive Bear Aversion Techniques • Critter Gitter • Scarecrow • Unwelcome Door/Window Mat • Bear Be Gone • Electric Lunchbox • Male Human Marking

10. How we can help? • provide on-site bear hazard assessments • assist with creating educational materials – pamphlets, manuals, quick information sheets • provide bear safety training programs • assist with creating and implementing bear management plan • provide tools & equipment i.e. portable electric fencing, bear resistant/proof products, deterrents

11. Thanks for being part of the bear smart solution!