The Get Bear Smart Society (GBS) is perhaps best known for its innovative and proactive non-lethal bear management training program, leading the way in developing and continually improving standards and curriculum, as well as providing training to various police and wildlife agencies. The non-lethal program is the highlight of our ongoing search for the best bear management practices, providing officers with a much needed alternative to destroying bears. In fact, the results of Whistler's pilot program and research are forming the basis for change in sustainable bear management policy province wide and even nationally.

We also spend a great deal of time working to bear-proof the waste management system in Whistler. While it might seem like an easy task, bears continue to outsmart us by learning how to penetrate weak systems. We are currently experimenting with various waste containers to determine the most bear-proof and people-friendly model. Since Whistler does not have curb-side pick-up, but rather two main compactor sites, we are working with our Municipal Council and staff to implement a waste management system that is convenient and easy to use for all residents. We have also developed guidelines for building bear-proof enclosures for businesses and multi-unit residential complexes. As a result of these efforts, we will be able to make sound recommendations to other communities struggling to bear-proof their waste systems.

GBS works hard to educate the public, residents, homeowners, children, businesses, all levels of government, enforcement agencies, parks, and NGO's to better understand bears. At the heart of our education is our program to educate residents on reducing backyard bear attractants. Our educational programs include the production and distribution of educational materials ranging from childrens' programs to resident information to professional training resources; public and corporate bear smart presentations; an extensive ad campaign; newspaper columns; a comprehensive website; and interpretive signage.

Our Neighbourhood Bear Watch program includes a bear information hotline; residential and business bear hazard assessments; and targeted door-to-door canvassing. We have also created a line of educational merchandise including stickers, games, and logo wear - combining learning with fundraising.

Using Whistler as a model, GBS assists with the implementation of bear smart programs throughout BC, Canada and the United States through research, training, consultation and education.

Our Commitment

The key to managing human-bear conflict involves minimizing bear
attractants, reinstilling bears natural wariness of humans and looking at
innovated ways of keeping bears out of urban areas.

We work with the public, NGO's, government bodies and law enforcement agencies to provide the best current information on managing human-bear interactions.

GBS is committed to exploring and implementing non-lethal approaches to bear management. We recognize the importance of directly addressing the root cause of human-bear conflicts. While we do not have all the answers, we will continue to explore new ideas. We will test and monitor their effectiveness in an ethically and morally responsible manner, minimizing negative impact on wildlife and the environment.

Currently, we are involved in testing the following strategies:

• habitat disenhancement: (removal of landscaped or natural bear foods, like berry bushes, in high conflict areas)
• habitat replacement: (planting natural bear foods in areas well away from human-use zones)
• negative conditioning: techniques such as aversive conditioning/hazing, human dominance, and taste aversion

We are working with our local wildlife agency to consider:

• birth control (on select individuals, based on conflict history)
• temporary diversionary/supplemental feeding program

GBS is committed to thinking outside the box. We continuously evaluate current methods, determine their effectiveness and explore new, improved methods. For example, we are revising our current educational campaign to include community-based social marketing tools. Recently, we became aware that information-based education is not enough. Through surveys, we've learned that while people may be aware of how to be bear smart, this is not reflected in their behaviour. In order to achieve sustainable behaviour change among community members, new techniques are required. Community-based social marketing tools show great hope. We plan to complete the necessary research, through focus groups and surveys, in order to help us implement the appropriate community-based social marketing tools.

Community Involvement and Collaboration With Other Agencies:

GBS ensures broad community participation by involving stakeholders at all levels (from individual community members to local businesses, to municipal and provincial governments and First Nations) in a collaborative process throughout the planning, management and implementation phases of our programs. GBS also provides information and consultation to various groups, both government and NGO's (non-government organizations) throughout the province.

GBS has been working in partnership with the Resort Municipality of Whistler, RCMP and Bylaw Services to ensure a bear smart community. We collaborate on waste management, educational initiatives, bylaw enforcement and use of non-lethal bear management. Public support of our program has been overwhelming.

Affiliations:

Whistler Bear Working Group; Resort Municipality of Whistler; BC RCMP; BC Ministry of Environment (Wildlife & Enforcement Depts.); Bear Aware Program of BCCF; North Shore Black Bear Network (NSBBN); Squamish Bear Network; Pacific Rim Bear Smart Committee; Canadians for Bears; International Bear Association (IBA); Humane Society of the United States (HSUS); World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA); BC Rehabbers Association; Y2Y, Bear Folks, Animals Canada listserves contributor.

Legal Status:

The Get Bear Smart Society (GBS), formerly known as the Jennifer Jones Whistler Bear Foundation, is a non-profit registered charity formed in 1995. The Society is registered as a charity for income tax purposes with the Government of Canada: 87720 6565 RR0001; and incorporated in the province of British Columbia (S-36282).