Impact Point: Human-Wildlife Conflict - DLITD

Number of black bears euthanized in BC in 2023, up from 493 in 2022: 603
BC Parks reservations impacted by bear closures in 2022: 814

What is YOUR Impact?

Has a trail or park near you been temporarily closed due to human-wildlife conflict? Bears, coyotes, and cougars may frequently appear in the media headlines, but poor human behaviour is to blame. If we don’t make changes, we might lose everything. We need wildlife to remain wild.

A Fatal Attraction

Don’t be the reason a bear (or any animal) loses its life. On average, approximately 570 black bears and 22 grizzlies are “destroyed” by humans per year in British Columbia, with countless other species suffering the same fate.

Wild animals are driven by their keen sense of smell, so leaving attractants out (like bird seed, food, scented toiletries or garbage) is an open invitation. When animals venture into human spaces, it can create dangerous conflicts, sometimes resulting in injury or death to the wildlife, and occasionally, humans.

Pets and Humans Getting Too Close

The BC wilderness is home to many creatures from the animal kingdom, whether they be furry, scaly, feathered or finned. Wild animals see your dog as a predator and can become easily distressed. So, please be considerate and leash your dog.

You can also have negative impacts on wildlife. Entering sensitive habitats (such as salmon spawning streams and rivers) can threaten their natural behaviour and contaminate or destroy the only home they’ve ever known.

How to Stop Loving It To Death

It’s time to protect our fellow beings. We share our communities and favourite nature spots with fauna, large and small, and must learn to respect their habitats by reducing attractants, keeping your distance from sensitive ecosystems and not feeding wild animals.

Educate yourself about how to reduce your impact on wildlife.

Things You Can Do Right Now

1 Be Bear Aware and Whale Wise

Understand what it takes to ensure that you are safe and wildlife isn't impacted or killed by carelessness.

2 Reduce Wildlife Attractants at Home or While Travelling

Wild animals have a keen sense of smell and could become habituated to human attractants. Store food, garbage and scented items safely to avoid attracting wildlife.

Leave your dog at home or keep them leashed (unless in designated off leash areas)

3 Leave your dog at home or keep them leashed

Your best friend may love you, but they may find out they love chasing wildlife even better. Keep Fido, fellow travellers, and wildlife safe by leaving your dog at home or keeping them on leash (unless in a designated off-leash area).

4 Keep a safe distance from wildlife and don’t feed or approach them for photos

Remember: A fed bear is a dead bear. Let’s keep wildlife wild. Avoid feeding wildlife at all costs to keep both animals and humans safe from conflict.

5 Do not violate or enter sensitive habitats

Sure, getting a bit closer might make for a good photo, but trampling nature to get there isn't cool. Don't wreck habitats. Stick to the trail. Period.

Featured Resources

Resources

The following organizations offer a series of useful tips on how to minimize your footprint and enjoy the outdoors in a responsible and sustainable way.