6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
PERSPECTIVE
May 5, 2022
Historical Lens
Bears are back for the season By Haley Grinder haley@columbiavalleypioneer.com
As the snow disappears and the weather gets warmer, locals and tourists alike should be aware of the reemergence of the true locals to the land: bears. Picture this; your distaste for the cold encourages you to take a well-deserved nap for the duration of the season. However, months later, you awaken and there is one feeling that encompasses your whole being: hunger. As spring emerges, so do the majestic creatures native to the Columbia Valley. The sheer size of a fully grown bear is enough to stop humans in their tracks, not to mention their intense nature, accompanied by deep, hearty growls fueled by a hunger caused only by months of hibernation. As fascinating as these animals are, humans must remain cognizant of the fact that, despite their fuzzy, adorable nature, they are to be given the utmost respect. This topic is incredibly important to address during the bear’s waking season. Although camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities are a beloved recluse for many, particularly within the Columbia Valley, it is necessary to remember key means of safety when prepping for such getaways. This being said, the community can still enjoy the beloved landscape and all it has to offer, with a few key safety measures in mind. B.C. Parks says your best bet is to avoid bear encounters at all costs. To do so, they advise to keep campsites clean; this means do not leave food or coolers outside or accessible for bears. Their keen sense of smell trumps that of a human of course, meaning keeping food in locked vehicles and eating meals distanced from tents themselves is the safest bet. It also means cleaning up cooking utensils as they’re used. If you are trekking without a vehicle, do not fret. Rather, the province says to carry 15 metres of rope and plastic bags and hang potential attractions a minimum of four metres in the air, a good distance from your sleeping area. Additionally, B.C. Parks advises to always keep pets leashed and keep children in sight. Removing potential provacative actions can drastically increase your group’s safety in the long run. While hiking, making noise is also advised, as many bears will avoid confrontation should they not be surprised or snuck up on. Of course, safety measures may not always work, even if you do absolutely everything right. If this is the case, B.C. Parks says the most important thing is to, “Stay calm and keep the animal in view, but avoid direct eye contact. The bear may interpret it as a sign of aggression. Back away slowly if you can.” They add that you should
Rudy’s General Merchant, a block comprised of three two-story stores with living quarters. Located in Invermere, on the corner of 13th Street and 8th Avenue. C1866, mid 1950s, courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society absolutely never run from a bear unless you are positive you can reach safety. Considering a grizzly bear can run up to 56 km/h, this understandably automatic human response is dangerous in itself. Even Usain Bolt would lose to this massive animal as, at his best, he reached a top speed of only 44.72 km/h. Lastly, B.C. Parks says that, “If the bear starts to follow, drop your pack or a piece of equipment in its path as a distraction.” However, they add that food should only be dropped as a last resort, as “a food-conditioned bear is a threat to the next human it meets.” Most of this information is common knowledge, at least for those residing in the Columbia Valley. However, what may not be widely known is that, as of April 1, 2022, there is also an alcohol and cannabis ban in ef...Continued “CVSAR” from page 4 Donations are accepted online at https://columbiavalleysar.ca/. From the website, select Donate Online. Donations may also be sent to Box 2123, Invermere or by e-transfer to giving@columbiavalleysar.ca. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations. About Columbia Valley Search and Rescue CVSAR is our local mountain search and rescue team dedicated to saving lives through search,
fect for campgrounds within Kootenay National Park during long weekends in summer 2022. This measure is to ensure the safety of both outdoor enthusiasts and the wildlife that calls the region home. However, the fine for breaking this rule is hefty (next in effect during May long weekend from Friday, May 20 to Monday May 23). The B.C. government says that a “violation of this prohibition may result in immediate cancellation of your camping permit, eviction from the campground, or charges under the Canada National Parks Act; maximum penalty $25 000.” To find out more, visit https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/ pn-np/bc/kootenay/bulletins/A44333A7-AE12-4A17B384-E061A218A846.
rescue, emergency disaster response, and mountain safety education. CVSAR is tasked through requests from the RCMP, the B.C. Ambulance Service, local fire departments or the B.C. coroner service. CVSAR is used when specialized skills are required when accessibility into the backcountry is limited. CVSAR responds to 20 to 40 calls annually. The CVSAR team is 100 per cent volunteer and available to help in search and rescue situations anywhere in the Columbia Valley.
The Columbia Valley
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