Next Event:
The Network will have a table at Deep Cove Days on Sunday September
25th from noon until 7pm.
Mission:
To support the co-existence of black bears with
North
Shore
residents through community involvement, education and research.”
Vision:
People living in harmony with bears
The goal of the Bear Network is to stop the destruction and relocation of
bears in the District of North Vancouver and City of North Vancouver.
The Bear Network was formed after 36 bears were destroyed in 1999. The
Network consists of representatives of the District, RCMP, Ministry of Water,
Land and Air Protection, and community volunteers. The Network launched a Bear
Information Line in May: 990-BEAR (2327) which has been widely utilized by
residents. The information from this line is helping the Network record areas
of frequent bear sightings and to identify potential bear attractants in the
community.
The Network produced a new information brochure with tips for ‘North
Shore Bear Encounters’ and ‘Bear-Proofing’ homes. The network worked
with North Vancouver District to Declare 2001 the Year of the Bear. New North
Vancouver District signs were produced to inform people that bears were active
in the area. While education is assisting with bear-human conflicts more needs
to be done. Bears remain active in to November as they fatten up in
preparation for hibernation. Garbage, compost, rotting fruit, bird feeders and
other human foods continue to attract Black Bears into residential areas.
For a copy of the Bears Brochure or further information on the North Shore
Bear Network contact the information line: 604-990-BEAR (2327).
The North Shore is Bear Country and Conservation
Through Co-existence is Achievable!
The summer and bears go paw in hand. The settled areas of the Disrict along
the lower reaches of creeks are historically bear summer habitat; with the
result that every year there is human and bear contact. Bears cannot be
expected to change; so we as residents must modify our behaviour to allow
bears and people the freedom to live near each other safely.
If you see a bear in a residential area:
- REMAIN CALM. Often the bear is just passing through, and if it finds no
food source, will simply move on.
- KEEP WELL AWAY from the bear. Don't crowd it. Warn others to keep away,
and bring your children and pets into the house.
- CONTACT the District Park's Department so that the bears movements may
possibly be monitored enabling warning signs to be posted - (604)990-3812,
(604)990-3806
- IF the bear appears to be threatening, call the Park Ranger at
(604)990 3811 or (604) 240 8754 cell or the RCMP at (604)985-1311
For information on how to minimize bear movements around your neighboorhood
contact Graham Knell - Trail and Habitat Co-ordinator (604)990-3812.
N.S.B.N.