Province provides Bear Smart funding for communities.

M2 PRESSWIRE-5 May 2004-British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks: Province provides Bear Smart funding for communities(C)1994-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:05042004

VICTORIA - The provincial government is providing $40,000 in funding for community programs to reduce bear-human conflicts - and save the lives of hundreds of bears, Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection Bill Barisoff announced today.

The funding will help communities participate in the Bear Smart program, a proactive conservation measure that encourages communities, businesses and individuals to work together to address the causes of bear-human conflicts. The aim is to both reduce the potential for human injury and the number of bears destroyed each year.

"Black and grizzly bears usually come into contact with people because we entice them into communities by providing a source of food," Barisoff said. "Unfortunately, in our efforts to protect public safety, a fed bear becomes a dead bear."

With hibernation now over, bears are searching for food to replace weight lost during the winter. Expect bears in valleys, along streams and near river mouths where new vegetation is abundant. The public should be wary of all bears, and, in particular, females with cubs.

In an average year, 950 black bears and 50 grizzlies are destroyed due to conflicts with humans. Most incidents occur because people leave attractants - like garbage and unpicked fruit trees - readily available. "These magnificent animals abandon their natural feeding habits for that quick and easy meal. More often than not, it is also their final meal," Barisoff said.