Bear activity in the Callaghan valley is expected to increase during the rest of September and into October, due to a poor berry crop at higher elevations.
Callaghan Country believes that given these unique conditions, it is a best practice to cancel our Huckleberry Event to ensure non-competition for the scarcely remaining food source of this precious asset. By doing so, we are also hopeful in mitigating unnecessary human - bear interactions through the implementation of wildlife avoidance response protocols (W.A.R.P.).
With a recovering grizzly bear population and the combination of both a lower than average berry crop and poor salmon returns in some South Coast drainages, it would be wise for all outdoor enthusiasts to exercise increased caution when travelling in bear habitat this Fall. Keep your pets leashed when hiking, make lots and lots of noise, carry bear spray and really understand how and when to use it.
Watch this video clip and understand how quickly an encounter ensues. A grizzly bear stressed for adequate nutrition at this time of year will most certainly protect food sources that the bear believes is theirs. In all likelihood, if you surprise a bear or come across a recent kill or cache it has made (usually black bear cubs and sows or fawns) you will not have the time or conditioning to react appropriately unless you have practiced.
Callaghan Country believes that given these unique conditions, it is a best practice to cancel our Huckleberry Event to ensure non-competition for the scarcely remaining food source of this precious asset. By doing so, we are also hopeful in mitigating unnecessary human - bear interactions through the implementation of wildlife avoidance response protocols (W.A.R.P.).
With a recovering grizzly bear population and the combination of both a lower than average berry crop and poor salmon returns in some South Coast drainages, it would be wise for all outdoor enthusiasts to exercise increased caution when travelling in bear habitat this Fall. Keep your pets leashed when hiking, make lots and lots of noise, carry bear spray and really understand how and when to use it.
Watch this video clip and understand how quickly an encounter ensues. A grizzly bear stressed for adequate nutrition at this time of year will most certainly protect food sources that the bear believes is theirs. In all likelihood, if you surprise a bear or come across a recent kill or cache it has made (usually black bear cubs and sows or fawns) you will not have the time or conditioning to react appropriately unless you have practiced.
This is a good year to focus on learning more about grizzly habitat and ways to mitigate your exposure. Think of it in the same way as you would assess avalanche terrain and the decision making process you would use in those situations. Play it safe, err on the side of caution and come home for dinner! For more about bear safety visit https://wildsafebc.com
RSS Feed
