There might not be a stronger call to the woods in July than the promise of ripe huckleberries, and humans aren’t the only species they appeal to; berries are a critically important bear food in the Kootenay region.

In the BC Southern Interior, the diet of black and grizzly bears can be more than three-quarters plant based. Berries, including huckleberries, Saskatoons and soapberries, are richly sweet and high in calories compared to many plant sources. A ripe patch of berries serves as an important opportunity for bears to build their internal stores.

Bears have a big job to do in order to consume enough food to gain weight in their waking months, and thus support themselves through winter hibernation. While feeding in a berry patch, a bear may become so engrossed in its task that its awareness is compromised. Conversely, we humans can become equally engrossed in the task of berry harvest, often overlooking some key safety practices when recreating in bear country.

You can avoid surprising or being surprised by a bear by following a few important rules:

Keep your Head Up, Stay Aware – We can easily get caught up in the meditative rhythm berry picking provides. Don’t let berry hypnosis get you! Be sure that you’re taking the time to look up and stay attuned to your surroundings as you’re out picking.

Don’t Go Out Alone – Bears are less likely to come close to or approach groups of people than individuals. Pick in groups, and stay close to one another. Should you encounter a bear while out picking, gather together to appear large to the animal.

Make Noise, and Lots of It – On your approach to the berry patch, and while you’re working, make noise to alert wildlife in the area to your presence. Chances are that a bear has no interest in seeing you, and will clear the area if they know you’re there or on your way. Please note: bear bells are not noisy enough to alert a bear intent on harvest, call out in your outside voice to give them a fair warning.

Carry Bear Spray, and Know How to Use It – According to a recent study, bear spray has been proven to be over 90% effective at stopping aggressive bear encounters. Don’t fight the science: carry bear spray with you when you’re out picking. Be sure to keep your spray on your person, where it is accessible by you within seconds (as with a hip holster). Not sure how to deploy bear spray? Follow this link for a short how-to.

Help WildSafeBC track how the berries are doing this year by sharing your knowledge. Your data will help us better understand the connection between good or bad berry years and trends in human-bear conflict.

Should you encounter a bear, do you know what you would do?

WildSafeBC’s website contains even more information about recreating with wildlife in mind, including details on encounter management.

If you encounter a bear or other wild animal when you’re out picking, please report the occurrence to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service by calling 1(877)952-7277.

Kimberley/Cranbrook WildSafeBC

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