Working to prevent negative human-wildlife interactions

Bear Aware
A fed bear is a dead bear! This is a central message behind programs such as Bear Aware in British Columbia, and Bear Smart in Alberta. Through public education efforts, these programs provide residents with the tools and knowledge they need to live more harmoniously with bears in and around their neighbourhoods, thus preventing negative interactions between bears and people. Bear Aware aims to reduce the number of bears that become habituated to humans and subsequently become aggressive toward people. 

Wildsmart
Run by community volunteers in Alberta’s Bow Valley, Wildsmart aims to make the area safe for both humans and wildlife. Program goals are to coordinate education and outreach programs, and to support management activities that increase public safety and enjoyment while helping sustain wildlife populations. Initiatives include a community speaker series and a continually updated website detailing bear sightings and activities in the Bow Valley.

Keystone Conservation
Through collaborations with rural communities, Keystone Conservation has pioneered innovative solutions to help people and wildlife coexist in the Northern Rockies. In addition to public education and outreach efforts designed to reduce the presence of attractants in communities, Keystone Conservation created the ranger rider program. In this program, horseback riders patrol Montana’s open range and use non-lethal means to prevent conflicts between wolves and livestock.