In the News

Fatal Attacks by American Black Bear on People: 1900–2009

Recently published in The Journal of Wildlife Management, Steve Herrero et al report that during the last 100 years plus, 62 people were killed in 59 incidents by non-captive black bears. And, "adult or subadult male bears were involved in 92% of fatal predatory incidents, reflecting biological and behavioural differences between male and female bears." Most fatal black bear attacks were predatory and were carried out by one bear showing that females with young are not the most dangerous black bears. Regarding the role that unsecured attractants played, "in 38% of incidents, people's food or garbage probably influenced the bear being in the attack location." Story here and/or download the full report.  

Planting clover on the side of the road causes "bear jams" and dead bears

In 2010, at least 10 bears were killed by vehicles in the Whistler area and another three were injured. An average of 1.1 bears were killed per year over the ten previous years. Recent roadwork on the Sea to Sky Highway, for the Winter Olympics, involved reseeding both sides of the road. While advised not to plant wildlife attracting clover - clover was planted nonetheless. Now bear advocates are working to find alternative native vegetation that doesn't attract wildlife. Please contact us if you can advise us on what vegetation to plant. Full story here and Editorial here.

Simply reducing the speed limit along with warning signs at highway wildlife crossing helps motorists look out for wildlife and can make it easier for them to stop their vehicles.

Anchorage's Jessy Coltrane promotes ordinances/bylaws to secure attractants

"Garbage. Garbage. Garbage... this whole area is like a giant bait bucket," said Coltrane, who is Anchorage's human-wildlife conflict biologist. " There's an ordinance that prohibits placing trash out until the morning of pIck-up. But, she'd like an ordinance, like Juneau's, where you can be fined if  the trash is out the night before pick-up without using a bear-resistant can. Juneau has "significantly reduced the number of bear problems in the city" with a similar ordinance. Read more. There are many communities with similar bylaws. Nelson, B.C. is considering one too. Check it out.

Update: Christina Lake black bears are feeding on natural food

Over two dozen previously hand fed black bears (for twelve years) are learning to feed on their own. There's a report of one being killed because it had lost "its fear of humans," but it isn't clear "if it was one of the up to 30 animals that had been fed dog food for years" said conservation inspector Aaron Canuell. Kudos to the COS for not shooting these bears last fall, giving them a chance to prove that they would feed on natural food. Read the story here.

What’s New

Bear resistant bird feeders, camping pantry, testing facilities

Check out this well designed "Birds only Bird Feeder System" for bird and wildlife enthusiasts here. Learn more about bears and bird feeders here.

Kanz Outdoors has a nifty new bear-proof Field Pantry Storage System. Check it out here.

A Wildlife Park, in Kamloops, is hoping to be designated an official "test site" for bear-resistant cans. Watch a video on how easy it is for a bear to get into most garbage containers here.

Bear Smart Buy of the Month

With over 900,000 black bears roaming North America today, people from Florida to British Columbia are encountering bears more often, and as a result, human-bear conflicts are on the rise. Colorado author Linda Masterson dispels myths, replaces fear with respect, and lays the foundation for improving human-black bear relations with an inside look at the fascinating world of these highly intelligent, adaptable and resourceful animals. A must have for anyone living in bear country or anyone working toward creating a bear smart community. Buy now.

In this edition:

• In the News
• What’s New
• Bear Smart Buy of the Month