Before implementing a bear awareness education program, it's important to identify what, if any, programs exist within the community and whether multiple agencies are delivery such programs (e.g. Ministry of Environment, BC Parks, commercial businesses, B.C. Conservation Foundation or an independent Bear Aware group). You can decide what type of program would complement those already in existence.

There are several groups already delivering bear aware programs. There's no need to reinvent the wheel. Get as much assistance as you can. There's no shame in using the same ideas or pamphlets as another group. We are happy to share all of our programs with other groups. You can download most of our materials from this website and modify them, if necessary, to suit your needs.

It's extremely important that a consistent and accurate message is delivered to the public. Always have informational material reviewed by a qualified bear biologist.

According to the Bear Smart Background Report (Section 8), the primary objectives of the education program should be to:

1. Develop a greater understanding of bear ecology and behaviour.
2. Facilitate support from local residents for bear-proofing the community. This can include identifying methods and options for eliminating bears’ access to non-natural foods and attractants.
3. Develop guidelines for human activities in bear habitat to reduce the likelihood of human-bear conflict.
4. Recommend actions to take during a bear encounter.
5. Encourage tolerance towards the presence and natural behaviours of bears in reasonable numbers in or near the community.

Numerous studies document that education alone does not alter behaviour. Conventional marketing, which often relies heavily on media advertising, can be effective in creating public awareness and understanding of issues, but is limited in its ability to foster behaviour change.

Learn more about the tools of Community-based Social Marketing in order to effectively foster sustainable bear smart behaviour. This is a MUST READ!

Here's a variety of ideas that can be incorporated into your educational program:

Tagging resident's garbage cans can be an effective method of creating awareness and changing people's behaviour, in terms of storing and disposing of garbage in a bear-safe manner. In many areas that have curbside pick-up, it is more desirable for residents NOT to place their garbage/trash curbside until the morning of pick-up, or better yet, an hour or so before the truck is scheduled to pick it up.

Create tags that can be attached to trash can handles with a zip-tie. Yellow, orange or red are good colours to use as they signify a warning message. The tag should state the reason that the trash can has been tagged i.e. "Trash can left out in a manner that allows for the feeding of bears". This is also a good opportunity to provide a few bear smart tips, such as:

• Trash containers should be placed out the morning of pick-up only (after the truck is scheduled to arrive).
• Safely and securely store trash during the week in a garage, shed, or bear-proof enclosure or trash container.
• Occasionally clean your trash container with bleach.

Include your organization's contact information on the tag, as well as a website for getting more information - feel free to use www.bearsmart.com. [Click on the tags top right for a larger image]

If garbage/trash day is Tuesday in a particular neighbourhood, then tag any cans that are set out early on Monday evening and then again any cans that have been accessed by bears early on Tuesday morning. Use your city trash schedule as a guide for areas in which to tag.

Tagging events are also a great opportunity to talk to any residents you meet about storing and disposing of garbage in a bear-safe manner. It's important to relay the goal of the program, explaining that it's not just about saving bear's lives, but about minimizing property damage in their neighbourhood and creating a safe environment for all residents.

Don't be discouraged if you receive complaints, it's almost a certainty that you will, just do your best to calmly explain why it's important to comply. You may also notice the same cans are being tagged over and over again - in this case, use any local bylaws or ordinances to force compliance.

This program is a great example of using social norms to encourage community responsible behaviour. [Get more information on Creating Sunstainable Behaviour]

Keep a record of addresses that have been tagged. Once the resident has become 'bear smart', reward them by placing a green Bear Smart Champion tag on thier trash container that thanks them for being part of the solution. These tags can also include additional information on other bear smart practices.