As biologists, we would like clarify some of the comments by some landscapers and consultants regarding the "potential threat to biodiversity" from removing bear-attracting species from developments.

The authors of an Oct. 7 letter state that "altering the plant composition of an area, especially fruiting plants, may reduce or eliminate significant sources of feeding and shelter for a range of animal species that rely on these plants for key parts of their life cycle." However, we are not proposing to alter an intact ecosystem.  The Bear Working Group is proposing that in urban developments, landscapers use native plants that don't attract bears. These areas are relatively small and already highly modified. No one is suggesting that fruit-producing plants be removed or discouraged from the many natural areas and green spaces in and around Whistler.

Additionally, we'd like to point out that scientific studies continually state that roads, traffic and roaming house cats have large negative impacts on small mammals and songbirds. We suggest that these impacts are likely more significant than the absence of non-fruiting plant species in human developments.

We fully support efforts to keep Whistler's biodiversity intact for all the animals with which we share this valley. We believe we can accomplish this without compromising human safety and coexistence with local black bears.