If you’re on a bike, slow down for blind turns – a bear could be just around the corner. Let bears know you’re there: Alert bears in the area to your presence by making a lot of noise and trying to keep the wind at your back. Don’t wear headphones – you need to be aware of your surroundings. Also, pay attention if you are around a potential bear food source such as a berry patch or salmon run. It’s safer for a multitude of reasons, but you tend to make more noise, which alerts bears to your presence.īe alert: Be on the lookout for bear signs such as scat, tree marks and tracks. Don’t go it alone: Bring a friend along when you bike, hike and camp in the backcountry.Experienced guides know the best spots and a whole load of bear-based knowledge that will just blow you away, like how many berries bears eat in a day (20,000 calories worth), how fast they can run (50 kilometres per hour) and what Whistler’s bear population looks like. Seeing a bear in its natural habitat is incredible and the best way to do so safely is by heading out on a bear viewing tour. Keep dogs on a leash (much of Whistler’s backcountry does not permitt dogs, so make sure you check before you bring Fido along).Human food habituation is a primary reason bears get destroyed in BC, so keep them wild and safe by storing your food away from prying paws (think BBQs, picnics, recycling). Keep your distance (at least 100 metres) and give them space (no selfies please).We touched base with the team at AWARE Whistler, a charity organization that works to protect the natural environment in Whistler and the Sea to Sky, who gave us some great information to keep us, and the bears, safe. Whistler is one of just eight communities in BC that are recognized as a Bear Smart Community, but it’s up to all of us to keep it that way. We need to know how we can avoid interactions and possible conflicts, as well as what to do if we find ourselves faced with one. These mountains are their home and we are in their territory, especially when we’re exploring the backcountry and high alpine areas. This repost from 2020 is a great reminder to be aware of the furry residents of Whistler. Editor’s note: We’ve had increased bear activity this year due to a colder start to the spring and summer.
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