People and Bears in Whistler: Learning to Coexist in Harmony
Whistler is located in prime black bear habitat, so whether you're hiking in the Interpretive Forest, or even walking in the Village, you may encounter a black bear. Seeing a bear can be a memorable experience of your Whistler vacation, but to protect yourself and the bears, it is important to understand how to behave around them. This requires understanding bears and their behaviour as well as the role people play in creating conflicts. Black Bears Only Whistler is not home to grizzly bears for the most part: only black bears live in the Whistler area. While grizzly bears tend to respond more aggressively to confrontational situations, black bears are inclined to retreat from conflict. Most black bears in the Whistler area are black with a brownish muzzle. However, the name black bear is a bit of a misnomer since black bears can vary in colour from pure black to cinnamon or blond and often have a white chest patch. Adult black bears range in size from 50 kg to more than 270 kg (110 lbs to 590 lbs). Females are generally smaller than males. Black bears prefer forested habitat, but they are constantly on the move in search of the most nutritious and high fat food, and thus travel through many different areas including open spaces and areas occupied by humans. Bears usually spend the winters in dens and are only active from mid-March to November, but some bears around Whistler have remained active during the last few winters. The reason for this unusual behaviour may be that they are finding human foods. Bears are curious and highly intelligent animals. They are strong and fast: in fact, they can run at speeds of 50 km or faster than an Olympic gold medallist sprinter and smash logs to splinters to access larvae or insect eggs. Many people believe that bears do not have a good sense of sight, but this is just one of the many myths that abound about bears. They have good sight, but because their sense of smell is excellent, they rely on it to verify information in the way that humans depend on their vision. Creating Problem Bears Problem bears are not born - they are the product of human indifference and carelessness. As bears are constantly on the move looking for food, it’s natural for them to enter human communities. Human food and garbage is very attractive to bears because it is often high in calories and easy to access. A bag full of food garbage is like a buffet laid out for a bear compared to the work of having to pick berries off a bush or catch a salmon. The problem is that conflicts can arise when bears learn to associate people with garbage and other non-natural sources of food. Once a bear has tasted human food, it is likely to return again and again for an easy meal. As bears are repeatedly rewarded with food, they tend to lose their fear of humans and become willing to go to greater and greater lengths to get that food. In Whistler, bears have even been known to break into cars and homes to get food. Sadly, many of these bears end up being destroyed. Being bear smart There are many actions you can take to protect bears: Never feed a bear, either intentionally or unintentionally. All garbage must be disposed of in bear-proof containers. In Whistler, it’s the law! Bear-proof containers are located throughout the village, municipal parks and the valley trail. Respect bears! Give them plenty of space and never approach them. No one should ever feed, pet or pose for a photo with a bear. Take pictures with a telephoto lens from a distance. Be careful when driving in and around Whistler. Unfortunately, many bears have been hit and injured or killed on the roads in and around Whistler. Always be alert and aware in bear country. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can detect the aroma of a barbecue or picnic from a considerable distance. What should I do if I see a black bear? · Stop and assess · Remain calm. Do not approach the bear. In most cases, the bear will flee. · Move away carefully if the bear is still a distance away. · If you encounter a bear on the roadside, do not get out of your vehicle, even for a quick photo. IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BLACK BEAR AT CLOSE RANGE …. · Stand your ground and face the bear. · Identify yourself as human by talking in a calm tone of voice. · Continue to stand your ground as long as the bear is facing you or looking at you. When it is not looking at you, back away slowly, preferably moving in the direction you came from. · If it is possible to enter a car or a building, do so. But never run. Although unlikely, it is possible that running could invite pursuit. IF A BLACK BEAR APPROACHES… · Don’t panic!!! Remember no one has been injured by a bear in the Whistler area. · If you meet a bear in the woods, or in its territory, talk in a calm and respectful tone of voice to let the bear know you are not threatening. If you encounter a bear in an urban area, or human territory, use a loud, firm voice as though you are speaking to a bad dog, say “No!” Repeat as necessary. · Sometimes a bear may try to motivate you to leave, through intimidation. It may ‘pop’ its jaws or swat the ground while blowing or snorting. Or it may lunge toward you or ‘bluff’ charge – run toward you and then suddenly stop and turn away. Although scary, you are not likely to be hurt. Stand your ground until the bear turns away and then carefully move away. · You can carry bear spray as a precaution and use it if a black bear is persistent in approaching you. · If a black bear attacks you making physical contact, fight back with any weapon you can find, including rocks and branches. Do NOT play dead. How close is too close to a bear? Every bear defends their own 'personal space'. Just as it happens with people, that space varies from one bear to another, and with the situation and circumstances. That distance may be a few metres for one bear or a few hundred metres for another. Once you have entered into a bear’s personal space, you have forced the bear to act – either to run away or defend its space. Tips for hiking safely: Bears are far more likely to enhance your wilderness experience than spoil it! Knowing how to interpret their behaviour and act responsibly is part of the thrill of sharing forests and mountains with these amazing creatures. · Your goal is to avoid surprising a bear. Make your presence known by talking loudly or singing songs or shouting out every once in a while. · Hiking in groups and on established trails is recommended. Also, hike during daylight hours. · Stay alert. Look ahead on the trail and don’t let children run ahead. · Watch for signs of recent bear activity: droppings, tracks, overturned rocks, broken up rotted logs, fresh claw marks on trees, plant root diggings, and fur on tree trunks. · Be especially alert and make lots of noise when travelling through dense brush, into the wind, near rushing water or food sources, such as berry bushes. Limited vision or hearing may lead to a surprise encounter. · If you smell or see signs indicating an animal carcass such as ravens circling overhead, leave the area immediately. · Travelling on fast moving mountain bikes can lead to surprise encounters. Be alert! · Keep all dogs on leash and under control. Dogs can be helpful in detecting bears but they may also aggravate bears or lead them back to you. Camping in bear country: When camping in the backcountry, select an appropriate site away from wildlife trails, waterways such as streams and creeks and feeding areas including ripe berry bushes. Do not camp anywhere bear sign is noticed (i.e. tracks, droppings, fresh diggings, claw marks on trees). Use a flashlight at night. Pack out all garbage, even organic food scraps. Never bury food. Bears have an excellent sense of smell and will find buried food and dig it up - making you responsible for creating conflicts for other hikers and campers. If you burn food scraps or garbage, be sure to pack out unburned portions. Reduce the odours that attract bears. Cook 100 m away from your tent and do not sleep in the same clothes you were cooking in. Never take food or toiletries into your tent. In public campgrounds, store food in the animal-proof containers. If none are available, cache food 100 m away from your tent by suspending it between 2 trees a minimum of 4 m above the ground and 1 m away from the tree trunk.
Can I view bears safely? Many of Whistler's black bears spend the summer foraging on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Viewing bears from the gondola or chairlift is the safest way to see them. When to call the Bear Line Black bears are generally timid creatures that are tolerant of humans and human activity. If, however, a bear appears to be a threat to human safety or is destroying property, call 604-905-BEAR (2327). For more information on living with black bears, email us at info@bearsmart.com. Or visit us online at www.bearsmart.com.
Have a safe and happy vacation, and remember: Get Bear Smart!
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