The safest wildlife encounter is one prevented. Your best defence is to be aware of wildlife in the area.
Make Noise to avoid a surprise encounter (use yourĀ Ā human voice, clap hands or two rocks together ā especially near running water or in dense brush)
- Carry a walking stick (adults can carry Bear Spray in a side holster)
- Walk in groups
- Keep dogs leashed and/or under voice control
Ā If you encounter a Bear:
STAY CALM
- DO NOT RUN
- Let the bear know you are human (arms out to side)
- Use your voice in a calm, assertive manner.
- Back away slowly and allow the bear an escape route
- Never turn your back on wildlife
- Do not approach or feed wildlife
We live in wildlife habitat. Be aware of your surroundings and respectful of the environment. If you observed dangerous wildlife
- accessing garbage or other human supplied food sources
- that cannot be scared off
- a bear, cougar or wolf seen in an urban area
Call the Conservation Officer Service Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) 24 hr hotline on 1-877-952-7277. This allows officers to identify current hot spot locations and work with both residents and wildlife to encourage use of natural habitats and food sources before wildlife becomes habituated and/or a safety concern.
For more information on keeping communitiesā safe and wildlife wild please visit www.wildsafebc.com, or follow us on Facebook WildSafeBC Elk Valley.
