In 2003, we launched Nelson and District's first Annual Bear Smart Week. We are available 7 days a week on our Bear Smart Hotline 250-359-6611 with advice on bear safety at home and in the woods. Look for our cartoons and ads in the Nelson Express newspaper during bear season.

We continually submit bear smart articles and letters to the local media and encourage the public to get involved by doing the same. Phone our hotline if you need help or suggestions.

Pick up our 'YOU can help us become a BEAR SMART Community' leaflets at outlets where you purchase Nelson garbage tags. They include tips on how to behave when encountering bears in your neighbourhood as well as the basic do's and don'ts regarding bear attractants.

We are available to give presentations at local schools, community centers, neighbourhood block parties and to organizations (e.g. seniors and Boy Scouts). Children's educators involved will be provided with a copy of Evelyn Kirkaldy's 'BEAR SMART KIDS' activity book to serve as a teaching guide. They are welcome to photocopy pages as needed. Adults will receive a Get Bear Smart Guide to LIVING WITH BEARS. Everyone goes home with a Bear Smart Check List.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We are always looking for enthusiastic bear lovers to help us:

• post our Bear Smart Hotline posters -GOT BEARS? - advertising our phone number, web site and services
• distribute our flyer 'BEAR SMART - At Home and in the Woods' and other literature to local businesses and community outlets
• target areas with high bear activity by canvassing door to door and handing out information. At the same time, we hope to recruit and empower individuals to become neighbourhood ambassadors
• with information tables at  community events throughout bear season as well as during our annual Bear Smart week
• by attending meetings and helping us brainstorm.

GET CREATIVE
Send us your bear photos, drawings, stories, poems etc. and we may put them in our newsletter 'WHAT'S BRUIN?'

REPORT BEAR SIGHTINGS
Phoning our hotline with bear sightings will help us locate and direct our attention to problem areas.

NELSON'S FRUIT TREE PROJECT
They'll pick your fruit for free and give you 1/3 of the harvest. The rest is split between volunteers and charitable organizations. 250-352-6011 ext: 17

COMPOSTING
For expert advice on composting call 1-800-667-4321 or visit www.compostguide.com

Contact Us:
Evelyn Kirkaldy
Bear Smart Hotline: 250-359-6611
Email: eekbears@hotmail.com

Drinnon Lake - Valhalla Park Oil on Canvas - 2006 For information on illustrations, graphics or paintings contact: Evelyn Kirkaldy phone: 250-359-6611 email: eekbears@hotmail.com website: flickr.com/photos/evelynkirkaldy