"Bear Smart" Agriculture

Human-bear conflict is not exclusively an urban issue. Agricultural operations frequently experience a fair share of wildlife related conflicts. Quite often, livestock grazing and grain production occur in prime habitat for bears and other large carnivores. Attractants to farms may include, but are not limited to, grains, livestock feed, smaller livestock as prey and neo-natal/calving areas. As agricultural land is generally bordered by forested areas or green-space, these become natural wildlife corridors bringing bears into contact with human settlement and non-natural food sources.
Proper farm planning and land use can help to mitigate these potential conflicts and preserve natural wildlife behaviour. The following tips should be considered with any agricultural practice, large or small:
• Create a central area for calving and neo-natal care well away from green spaces or forested areas – consider having this located close to dwellings or other areas of active human use.
• Disposal of animal carcasses should follow Ministry of Agriculture regulations to reduce attraction by predators. Carcasses should be burned completely, or buried and covered with lime at least 1.2m – 1.5 m (4-5 ft) below ground level. Burning or burying carcasses should occur on your property, well away from residences, granaries, outbuildings and feedlots. Immediately report any incident where you suspect a bear has killed your livestock.
• Ensure grain and livestock feed is secured in a bear-resistant structure at all times such as a locked barn or old enclosed walk-in freezer.
• Properly trained “bear-dogs” such as Great Pyrenees, Akbash or Anatolian Shepherd may be effective for livestock protection; llamas and donkeys have also been reported to deter predators.
• Consider placing haying operations on the perimeter of the farm with larger livestock, better able to protect themselves, within this perimeter. Keep smaller livestock and vulnerable animals closest to the human use core. Electric fencing can further protect small, young or injured animals as well as bee-keeping operations.
• Promote a rural neighbourhood wildlife watch and communicate bear/wildlife activity in your area; always call 1-877-952-7277 to report human-wildlife conflict
Agriculture is an important and viable industry for all communities. It also, however, carries with it its own unique wildlife management techniques and responsibilities. Ensuring that steps have been taken to prevent human-wildlife conflict will not only prevent loss of income or production, but will also reduce the risk to human safety, damage to personal property and the needless destruction of wild animals.
To report any wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk, call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277)
Information provided by Christina Brack, Director of Communications, Bear Smart BC Society and Crystal McMillan, Executive Director BSBCS
For more information on how to bear-proof your campsite & home property or to volunteer with the Bear Smart in your community contact:
Dawn Boyce 250-723-2187 or Christina Brack 250-723-9200
For more information on the Ministry of Environment Bear Smart Community Program or the Bear Smart BC Society please call: Crystal McMillan at 250-266-(BEAR) 2327