One of these is the necessary coexistence of humans and wildlife habitat.  As members of the Whistler community, we have the opportunity to develop a mutually peaceful coexistence with wildlife. 

© Michael Allen 2006

One of the single most important issues surrounding wildlife management in Whistler is black bear-human interactions.  You may have noticed Whistler's famous local wildlife in the valley or on the ski runs, crossing the highway, or nosing about in a neighbour's garbage or the local dump, looking for something to eat. 

Why are the bears in the valley?

The simple answer is, because Whistler is built right over prime black bear habitat.  However, the situation is a little more complex.

Most bears in the valley are sub-adult males, who find themselves pushed out of their mother's territory after one year.  Younger and weaker than the older male bears and without much territory of their own, they find themselves in the valley, looking for food.  Needing to gain mass amounts of weight before their winter hibernation, when these bears encounter a high-calorie source of food, they do what any intelligent animal looking to survive through the coming harsh winter would do.  And, furthermore, they sometimes come back to that same place where they found the food and look for more.  Mother bears may also find themselves in the valley with their cubs.  Some mothers show their cubs how to get garbage as a source of food, thus propagating the cycle of bear-human conflict through another generation.

WMA_P88_0002_Petersen

The trouble is, this brings them into contact with humans.  Though there has never been a fatal bear attack in Whistler, repeated contact is considered a problematic situation.

Why is this a problem?

These bears' lives are at risk everytime they get into garbage that has not properly been disposed of.  Though most bears are habituated to humans and would not attack, "problem" bears may be "destroyed" if they continue to encounter humans, largely because of  fears about the supposed aggressive nature of these animals.

Are bears really aggressive?

Many people view bears as fierce, aggressive animals that we should fear.  This view is largely misinformed.  For example, a black bear that rears up on its hind legs is not threatening an attack.  It is merely trying to see and smell its surroudings better.  Black bears in Whistler are not tame, but they are habituated to people, which means that they have grown accustomed to humans sharing their habitat with them.  If left alone, black bears will not attack or become aggressive.

© Michael Allen 2006

What can humans do?

Aside from educating the public about black bear ecology and biology, the most important thing that can be done to combat the issue is to dispose of garbage properly.  Only eliminating attractants will eliminate the problem.  In Whistler, this means disposing of garbage and recyclables in wildlife-resistant containers found at either Nesters or Function Junction; never leaving food outside, including pet food; avoiding birdfeeders and fruit-bearing trees in your backyard; and keeping your home securely locked.  There are many ways to be "Bear Aware" and these are only a few suggestions.

Click here to to learn more about the biology and behaviour of black bears and find out about what you can do to make Whistler safe for all who live here.

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