Northern Bear Awareness

To reduce conflict in neighbourhoods between people and bears through education, innovation and cooperation.

Accomplishments

2000 to 2007 Accomplishments:

 

Preventative Education:

· Schools in the Prince George area have received a total of 310 free interactive elementary classroom presentations reaching 8,343 students. 

· Summer camps in the Prince George area have received a total of 137 interactive presentations reaching 2,893 participants.

· Canvassing has reached 3,442 homes. 

· Public events communicating the bear awareness message has reached 33,000 community members.

 

Community Involvement:

· The fruit exchange program has coordinated over 1,000 volunteers to help put locally produced fruit in the hands of local people.

· The media has greatly supported our efforts in Prince George, our 5 radio stations have broadcasted interviews and weekly bear updates annually, local newspapers have published 100’s of articles, CKPG TV annually produces and airs news segments, and in 2005 TV commercials.

 

Research:

· The NBA program developed the first bear-human conflict map with PG bear complaint data spanning 1994 to 2007. This map is now the template used by the provincial Bear Aware program.

· Bear-Hazard risk assessments have been completed for all municipal parks, schools, and community centres.

· Public surveys have been collected in PG since 2000 on public perception of bear conflicts.

· A bear-attractant tree list has been researched and developed to aid municipal planners

· Provincial Bear Smart Status research by Dr. Lana Ciarniello Ph.D., RPBio. (funded by HCTF):

· Phase 1 of the Prince George Bear Hazard Assessment was completed in 2006.

· Phase 2 of the Prince George Bear Hazard Assessment data analysis completed, field study, and preliminary management plan completion expected August 2008. 

· Phase 3 Prince George Bear Smart Management Plan to be completed fall 2008

 

2008 Accomplishments:

 

Provincial Bear Smart Status was initiated, contracting Lana M. Ciarniello, PhD, RPBio. (Funded by HCTF):

· Phase 1 of Prince George Bear Hazard Assessment was completed in 2006.

· Phase 2 of Prince George Bear Hazard Assessment data analysis completed, field study, and preliminary management plan completed September 2008.

· Phase 3 Prince George Bear Smart Management Plan to be completed winter 2008.

Contact us:

 

3491 Clearwood Crescent

Prince George, BC

V2K 4R1.

Phone: 250-301-7575

Fax: 250-563-5438