The robust profile of Whistler's largest female black bear contemplates the next berry patch while crossing under the Emerald chairlift. Jeanie and other bears are finding huckleberries to be extremely scattered. Early September's cooler, wetter weather is taking its toll on the berry crop. Already reduced by a cool spring and lingering deep snowpack, huckleberries are rotting under cool temperatures and heavy moisture. Hopefully September will dry out and sunnier days will even-out the ripening high elevation berry crop. Some good news: Sitka mountain ash berries look full and abundant at high elevations. The large cluster of bright red berries are the critical back-up berry for bears through fall. Whistler businesses and residents need to clamp down on open doors and exposed garbage sites to push bears to denning and reduce opportunities for conflict at human food sources.
