As bear activity intensifies in the Pemberton Valley, local groups are stepping up to help residents better understand their ursine neighbours and minimize human-wildlife conflicts.
A trio of bear-focused initiatives are rolling out this summer, starting with Bear Awareness Day on June 28 at The Beer Farmers, followed by a bear science talk from leading grizzly researcher Bruce McLellan in July and ongoing educational efforts by WildSafeBC throughout the season.
The events come at an important time; bear sightings in the Pemberton Valley are common during the spring and summer months as bruins descend from alpine zones in search of food. Grizzlies have been known to frequent the valley bottom, increasing the importance of proper attractant management and effective deterrents.
The Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative (C2C) is hosting a free, family-friendly, bear-centric event on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The session will offer practical tools and education for living safely in bear country. The day’s schedule includes electric fencing demonstrations at 10 a.m., a bear spray training session and quick-draw competition at 1 p.m., and ongoing grizzly bear education throughout the event.
Attendees can meet C2C’s new bear response specialist and learn about the region’s coexistence programs—including an electric fencing cost-share initiative that helps residents install wildlife-deterring barriers. Representatives from WildSafeBC, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) and the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council will also be on hand at community info booths.
Following Saturday’s hands-on sessions, bear enthusiasts can deepen their understanding at the Pemberton & District Public Library (PDPL) on Friday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. with renowned bear scientist Bruce McLellan.
McLellan, a retired wildlife research ecologist, has spent more than 40 years studying grizzlies in the Flathead Valley and the Coastal Mountains near Pemberton and Whistler. His work has helped shape bear management policies in B.C. and internationally. McLellan was a founding figure in the Bear Awareness Society, which evolved into WildSafeBC.
During his Pemberton talk, McLellan will highlight findings from his career, including research into what influences grizzly bear populations and why bears behave the way they do. He’ll also share stories from decades spent living off-grid in remote study areas.
Residents interested in attending McLellan’s bear talk are asked to register through the PDPL’s website, here.
Ongoing bear education work in the region is supported by the SLRD’s partnership with WildSafeBC. For the sixth consecutive season, the regional district has contracted WildSafeBC coordinator Niall Bell to deliver workshops, school programs and door-to-door outreach throughout the region.
“I’m looking forward to sharing WildSafeBC messaging and raising awareness to help reduce human-wildlife conflict within local SLRD communities this year,” said Bell. “As a wildlife photographer and scientist who has spent time in communities living with wildlife, I have gained first-hand experience of the risks concerning human-wildlife encounters and why it’s crucial to be proactive and share knowledge.”
The WildSafeBC program includes bear spray workshops, wildlife awareness sessions, school ranger programs and informational booths at local events like Saturday’s C2C day at the Beer Farmers.
SLRD board chair Jen Ford emphasized the importance of these ongoing educational efforts.
“We are pleased to once again partner with WildSafeBC on this very important programming throughout the region,” Ford said. “We look forward to building on the momentum of previous years and continuing to educate and inform communities, with the goal of reducing human-wildlife conflict throughout the region.”
The SLRD reminded residents to follow best practices to prevent bear conflicts—including proper waste storage and securing garbage bins—and to promptly report sightings of bears, cougars, coyotes or wolves in urban areas to the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
