A group of bear-advocates has come up with a method to improve the giant animal’s population after traveling BC this summer.
The Grizzly Bear Foundation (GBF) met with residents, government officials, scientists, ranchers, hunters, conversation organisations, and First Nations communities in Prince George, Cranbrook, Fort Nelson, Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Victoria. After months of crunching data and brainstorming, the Foundation released its recommendations in a 90-page document today. The Report of the Board of Inquiry is calling for better education, research, and conservation efforts from the GBF and all levels of government.
A number of different factors play a role in the declining grizzly bear population. Trophy hunting is an obvious and immediate way to reverse the decline, says spokesperson Stuart McLaughlin.
“The cumulative impacts of all these challenges to the grizzly bears means that we really have to come together, all of us, and make sure they’re around long after we’re long gone,” she says.
Each municipality can take steps to reduce bear attractants in public spaces and parks and boost the number of communities pursuing Bear Smart status.
The remaining recommendations focus on the GBF improving education and conservation efforts. It will introduce material into elementary schools and promote using bear spray and electric fences. It will also create new partnerships with First Nations and major forestry companies and create outreach programs. Lastly, the Foundation will conduct more research into human and natural impacts on the animals.
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