Photo by Julie Gautier-Winther / Getty Images
Two new communities in British Columbia are celebrating “Bear Smart Community” status this summer. The District of Tofino and City of Port Moody both achieved their statuses from the provincial program this year.
The Bear Smart community program is a voluntary program developed by the provincial government (in partnership with the BC Conservation Foundation and Union of BC Municipalities). It seeks to reduce negative encounters with black bears by ensuring municipalities have policies in place regarding feeding of wildlife, attractant management, waste management system, and ongoing education.
These communities achieving status should be celebrated by residents – but the work is just getting started.
The Bear Smart Community program is an excellent way for communities to get started – but without ongoing education, enforcement (locally and from the province), and investment into the local programs, their success can be limited.
The Fur-Bearers are applauding the District of Tofino and the City of Port Moody in their efforts, and encourage residents to visit our Attractants page and our Door Hangers program to learn more about the impact they can have on black bears locally.
