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Co-Existence

Is it possible for use to co-exist with bears? 
Answer IF we respect each other's boundaries!   

Can We Live In Harmony With Bears? 

•  Can both people and bears live safely in the same community?  

   Are bears really Dangerous Towards People?

  What makes Bears a Real Nuisance? 

• This gives some facts you might want to know just in case you see a Black Bear 

  • Hey, don't just look at the pictures (although they are cool, but be sure to read the explanations on the 17 photos! 

Now learn the Truth About Black Bears 

• This article will give you a feel for the black bear's personality and how they are likely to respond to people:

  • Black Bears almost always run away when yelled at, apparently, startled black bears climb or run away — however, they will stand their ground to protect their cubs

Should We Feed The Bears?

When people befriend wild animals and try to feed them, they come in close contact    ... it usually leads to trouble!   Rewarding bears with a food teaches them to cross boundaries of unacceptable behaviour  This increases the potential for conflict situations Scientists tell us it changes the bear's attitude and alters its position in the  hierarchy of the community

A fed bear can become aggressive (bolder) in seeking more food and may injure the person hand-feeding it

Problems can arise when a person uses food to lure a very hungry half-tame bear closer than it feels comfortable Often, fearful people jerk their hand back each time a bear opens its mouth to take food from it — some bears just give up and leave, but very hungry bears will become aggressive and go after the food   Or, the bear might feed calmly from the person's hand until the food is gone then suddenly feel crowded and might be too fearful to turn its back and leave, and it might lash out defensively giving someone a slap with one of its paws

Remember, feeding bears, even unintentionally, is against the law in BC!

Don't forget, bears that become comfortable near people and communities are also more likely to get involved in a traffic accident — and this could possibly cause injury or death to both the people in the vehicle and the bear

Black Bear Sources:  Bears In BC
Grizzly Bear Sources:  Bears In BC 

Comparing Grizzlies vs. Black Bears

• While Grizzly Bears are much more rare, they may be tempted by the same smells as Black Bears

• Grizzly Bears respond to threats much differently than Black Bears and can generally be considered more dangerous

• This makes Grizzlies even less compatible with people and towns
  ...and partially explains why the range of the North American Grizzly Bear has been shrinking over the last 150 years

	Web www.bearaware.bc.ca