Bear complaints plummet
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Updated: October 28, 2009 8:53 AM
Bear complaints in Kitimat have dropped dramatically since last year, says conservation officer Darryl Struthers.
In 2008, there had been 380 complaints filed by residents by October, while this year’s number is only 65. The number remains the highest in the area, however, with the Nass Valley coming in at 35 complaints and Terrace at just 24.
Struthers, a field supervisor in the North Coast Zone, said three bears were destroyed in Kitimat.
Reasons for the drop in bear complaints are both natural and “due to the proactive work being completed at all levels,” Struthers explained.
Kitimat is “prime bear habitat,” he said, but a “decent” berry year and a “strong” coho run have provided plentiful natural food sources for the bear population this season.
The initial actions being completed as part of the Bear Smart Community Program have also eased the high number of bear complaints.
“We’ve been proactive in Kitimat with public education and working with council to make the community ‘Bear Smart,’” said Struthers.
“There has been a concerted effort over the past number of years and we’re starting to see the results of that.”
The program enables communities to tackle the root causes of bear-human conflicts.
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