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Rocky Mountain House hosts agriculture BearSmart launch
Rocky Mountain House was the site of the launch of the BearSmart program for agricultural producers on Saturday, August 19. The province introduced an agricultural component of Alberta 's BearSmart education program in an effort to raise bear awareness among farmers, ranchers and beekeepers and to bolster public safety, protect property and enhance the conservation of bears. Agricultural producers have an important role in preventing and reducing human-bear encounters. They can be part of the BearSmart solution, by taking actions such as storing grain securely, disposing of livestock carcasses properly and installing electric fences where appropriate. "We want to ensure that agricultural producers are 'BearSmart' and know how to protect themselves and their families, livestock, crops and other property," said David Coutts, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. "Awareness begins with knowing how to avoid attracting bears." Bears eat thousands of calories daily, and most problems with bears are linked to their constant search for food. They have a keen sense of smell and are attracted to crops, fruit, livestock, bees and honey, as well as other food sources including garbage, pet food and bird feeders. "Fish and Wildlife staff are available to provide advice and respond to problems with bears," added Minister Coutts. "Producers are encouraged to call their nearest Fish and Wildlife office, rather than try and deal with bear problems themselves." With more people working, living and enjoying outdoor activities in bear country, the number of problem bear occurrences in Alberta has been increasing. Over the past 10 years, there have been 27 significant human-bear conflicts involving both black and grizzly bears. Two of those people were killed. The Alberta BearSmart program was first introduced this spring, when information was distributed for residents of communities in bear country and outdoor enthusiasts. The program aims to reduce human-bear encounters by teaching people how to change their behaviour to prevent conflicts with the animals. For more information on the Alberta BearSmart program, visit the Alberta Sustainable Resource Development website www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fw/bearsmart/ or contact your local Fish and Wildlife office. |
