{"id":1696,"date":"2016-09-08T09:45:06","date_gmt":"2016-09-08T09:45:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bcparksvolunteers.ca\/?p=1542"},"modified":"2022-10-03T12:51:56","modified_gmt":"2022-10-03T19:51:56","slug":"get-your-bear-ings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/bcparksblog\/2016\/09\/08\/get-your-bear-ings\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Your Bear-ings!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Home<\/a>\n \n Get Your Bear-ings!\n <\/span>\n
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Get Your Bear-ings!<\/h1>\n
Conservation<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n
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Photo by: Wyatt Bronson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve been a Ranger for two seasons now and can\u2019t count the number of times I\u2019ve given my \u201cbear aware\u201d talk to visitors on the trails. Wildlife education is one of the greatest tools we can use to keep people safe from bears and bears safe from people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those of us who love being outdoors, camping is one of the many activities we enjoy doing in the wilderness. Whether it be a backcountry or front country campground experience \u2013 it\u2019s an escape from our regular lives and usually a time to unwind and relax. But with many of us venturing off into the woods, we bring ourselves closer to wildlife and bear habitat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bears are beautiful creatures; they are master fisherman, excellent tree climbers and all around forest gurus. They live simply, passing time lounging in grass and enjoying some fresh berries. As humans, we are either completely fascinated with bears or completely terrified of them. Both of these reactions can create a difficult situation when encountering one of these animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fear and the Bear:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bears are powerful creatures and dangerous if they become startled, feel protective with cubs or if they become accustom to human food rewards. What is important to remember when it comes to being afraid of these animals is \u2013 they aren\u2019t inherently vicious. Their actions are warranted by feeling threatened or surprised. It is important to familiarize yourself with these characteristics<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by: Wyatt Bronson<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

before venturing out into the woods. Developing a respect and understanding of these animals is much more important than having a fear for them (which is an instant reaction for most people when faced with something that could potentially hurt or kill them). Understand that if you happen to encounter a bear, you must use the correct reaction for the situation at hand. A bear is a wild<\/em><\/strong> animal \u2013 it doesn’t want to see you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UnBearable Consequences:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though these animals are strong creatures they can easily be brought down by human fault. We\u2019ve all seen the slogan \u201ca fed bear is a dead bear\u201d \u2013 sad but appropriate language for what happens when a bear becomes habituated by human food and garbage. Whether you\u2019re a seasoned backcountry user or a first time weekend warrior, it is important to constantly be aware of the impact your visit is on an area. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and can be drawn to a campsite from far distances away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the excitement of a new trip or perhaps a lack of wildlife education, we can invite bears directly into our tents and in turn get them and ourselves in danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bear-necessities: <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n