A fed bear is a dead bear. It's a saying we've heard a million times, but—yet again—it's been proven true in Jasper National Park.
Earlier this month, Parks Canada was forced to destroy two black bears after they became habituated to human interaction and food.
The bears, one on the Valley of the Five Lakes trail and another at Wabasso Campground, were becoming far too fearless—approaching hikers and breaking into campers in search of their next meal—and they were no longer responding to Parks' hazing efforts.
Their one-track minds were on food and they had found an easy source: people.
Once fed—whether from a dumpster, an unattended cooler or a giving human—bears are quick to pursue the same source as long as it's available. So, after they've learned that backpacks are full of tasty treats, they're quick to approach a hiker in hopes of getting their paws on another sack of goodies.
Bears catch on fast and they're not quick to forget; and then they become a threat to people, forcing Parks wildlife conflict specialists into a corner.
Although Parks is mandated to protect the ecological integrity of the park—including the wildlife that live within it—the federal agency is also responsible for keeping people safe while they're here.
So, Parks staff have to balance the risks and, in the case of a habituated bear, that often means destroying the animal.
This wouldn't be necessary, though, if the humans who live and play in the park did their part to keep these animals wild.
That means putting garbage in bear-proof trash bins and food in bear-proof enclosures, and resisting the urge to feed wildlife, even at the cost of that perfect photo.
It also means pruning fruit trees to keep low-lying fruit off the menu for opportunistic bears.
These are all simple things that locals and visitors can easily incorporate into their lives to ensure the health and safety of the park's bears.
It doesn't take much, but the impact is huge. With just a little bit of effort and forethought, we can ensure our wildlife stays wild.
