SLRD continues to collaborate with WildSafeBC on outreach and education initiatives

WildSafeBC coordinator to lead awareness and education efforts to help reduce conflicts with wildlife in the region

Pemberton, BC – For the sixth season, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is working with WildSafeBC to raise awareness in regional communities about wildlife and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

Building on the success of past years, WildSafeBC Coordinator, Niall Bell, will deliver outreach and education programs to guide the prevention of conflicts with wildlife and provide residents with information to keep themselves and wildlife safe. Bell holds an MSc in Environmental Management and has a background in wildlife conservation, ecosystem science, climate change, and anthropogenic biodiversity loss.

“I’m looking forward to sharing WildSafeBC messaging and raising awareness to help reduce human-wildlife conflict within local SLRD communities this year, said Bell. “As a wildlife photographer and scientist who has spent time in communities living with wildlife, I have gained firsthand experience of the risks concerning human-wildlife encounters and why it’s crucial to be proactive and share knowledge.”

From spring through to November, Bell will deliver WildSafeBC program initiatives, including Bear Spray workshops, wildlife awareness, WildSafeBC Ranger presentations for children and community presentations while sharing information through social media, door-to-door outreach, and display booths at local events.

“We are pleased to once again partner with WildSafeBC on this very important programming throughout the region,” said SLRD Board Chair, Jen Ford. “We look forward to building on the momentum of previous years and continuing to educate and inform communities, with the goal of reducing human-wildlife conflict throughout the region.”

To prevent bears from accessing residential waste, residents are reminded to:

• Store waste in a wildlife-resistant container or enclosure suitable for the amount of refuse generated and always kept clean, secure and in good condition;
• Only place wildlife-resistant containers at the curb on the morning of collection and during collection hours;
• To note that bear-resistant totes are not bear-proof; 
• Ensure that totes are secured indoors or, if an indoor location isn’t available, should be secured to a solid post or object with a chain to prevent them from being dragged away; and
  Keep totes closed and secure using both clips.

The SLRD’s Wildlife Attractant bylaw regulates the proper management of wildlife attractants.
WildSafeBC and the SLRD will continue to provide wildlife activity updates, news, and tips through social media during the season. Follow @WildSafeBCSquamishLillooetRD on Facebook.

Report wildlife in conflict to the Conservation Officer Service 24/7 at 1-877-952-7277. Residents should also report sightings of bears, cougars, coyotes, or wolves in urban areas.

Residents wanting more information about the WildSafeBC SLRD program can contact:

Niall Bell
WildSafeBC SLRD Coordinator
Phone: 604-894-6371 ext. 250
Email: slrd@wildsafebc.com

WildSafeBC is grateful for the generous support from its funders, including the SLRD, the British Columbia Conservation Foundation and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

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