Description: The Get Bear Smart Society (GBS), based in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, champions progressive management policies that reduce both the number of human-bear conflicts and the number of bears destroyed. Our mission is to provide a safe environment in which people and bears can coexist in harmony.
We accomplish this by educating people on dealing with bears in their communities; and promoting innovative bear management practices. Overall, we are creating a paradigm shift in people’s attitudes toward bears and other wildlife by replacing fear and ignorance with understanding and respect.
As a result of GBS programs, the number of so-called ‘problem’ bears destroyed in Whistler has been reduced by 85%. Our persistent hard work and dedication have also resulted in Whistler becoming the first ‘Bear Smart’ community in North America providing a model for other communities to follow. But the work of the Get Bear Smart Society is not limited only to Whistler: the Society is affecting bear management policies across British Columbia and Canada - and even throughout North America.
Bears In Your Backyard, Backcountry Manners,The Bear Facts About Coexistence, Photo Gallery, Trail and Hiking Safety,How Dangerous are Black Bears? Grizzlies of Kamchatka,Bear Adventures Courses