As the warmer weather approaches, bears are beginning to emerge from their dens, and Mountain View County is reminding residents and visitors to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of the wildlife.
The Mountain View BearSmart Society, in collaboration with local government agencies, is urging everyone to be mindful of their surroundings and take simple steps to prevent human-wildlife conflicts.
Bear Safety Tips for Residents
Bears are opportunistic feeders and are always on the lookout for food sources, especially as they come out of hibernation. To reduce the chances of attracting bears to your property, the BearSmart Society has provided several tips for residents and those spending time outdoors:
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Carry Bear Spray: If you're heading into bear country, always carry bear spray. It's an essential tool for self-defense in the event of a bear encounter.
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Secure Garbage and Food: Ensure that garbage is stored in bear-resistant containers. Avoid leaving pet food or bird seed outside, as these can attract bears. After using your BBQ, be sure to clean it thoroughly to remove any food smells that may draw bears in.
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Bird Feeders: During bear season, it's advisable not to hang bird seed feeders. The scent of the seeds can attract bears, especially if other food sources are scarce.
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Be Vigilant: When outdoors, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. If you're in an area known for bear activity, make noise as you walk to avoid surprising a bear.
Reporting Bear Sightings
If you spot a bear in your neighborhood or on your property, it’s important to report the sighting to help local authorities monitor bear activity. Visit the Mountain View BearSmart website to submit your report. The information you provide can help ensure proper safety measures are taken, both for residents and for the bears themselves.
About Mountain View BearSmart Society
The Mountain View BearSmart Society, founded in 2008, is a community-based organization focused on reducing human-wildlife conflicts and promoting safety. The society works closely with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Fish and Wildlife, and local municipalities to raise awareness about bears and other wildlife in the region.
Through education and community outreach, the BearSmart Society aims to reduce human-bear conflicts, which can lead to bear mortalities or, in some cases, human injuries. Their work is part of the larger Alberta BearSmart program, which seeks to foster positive relationships between humans and bears by promoting safe practices and reducing the likelihood of negative interactions.
Goals of the Mountain View BearSmart Society
The primary focus of the Mountain View BearSmart Society is education. By informing the public about how to safely coexist with bears and other wildlife, they hope to:
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Minimize human-bear conflicts and reduce the risk of injury or death for both humans and bears.
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Decrease the number of bear mortalities caused by negative interactions with humans.
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Reduce property damage and management costs related to human-bear conflicts.
The society also works with a wide range of stakeholders, including local residents, tourists, industry representatives, and government agencies, to promote the safe coexistence of humans and wildlife in the region.
Taking Responsibility for Our Safety
As more people move into areas traditionally inhabited by bears, the potential for human-wildlife conflicts has increased. In many cases, these conflicts occur when bears become habituated to human food sources. It’s up to each of us to take responsibility for preventing these situations by securing food sources and staying informed.
When to Contact Authorities
If a bear or other wildlife is causing a safety concern or is damaging property or livestock, it is important to contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife. For non-emergency situations, the 24-hour toll-free Report A Poacher line is available at 1-800-642-3800. If you encounter an emergency situation involving wildlife, always call 9-1-1.
For more information on bear safety or to report a bear sighting, visit the Mountain View BearSmart website at www.mountainviewbearsmart.com.
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