With the massive increase in bear activity across the Cariboo region, how to actually handle an encounter is becoming more and more important.
Despite the abundance of conventional wisdom, the research suggests there is no real “rule of thumb” for how to act says Conservation Officer Len Butler
“There’s some very good books out from Gary Shelton and he actually did the research for what people did in grizzly, black bear and cougar attacks. But the research showed that there is really no set pattern for success. The reality is, you’ve got to be aware of your surroundings.”
Avoid running, says Butler, make yourself seem bigger, and seek shelter of either a home or vehicle and, if push comes to shove, bear spray is the surest bet for fending off an ursine attacker.
Butler says that encounters should be avoided at all costs and if a bear is rummaging through your garbage or stomping your barbeque – let it – rather than instigating an incident.
Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
