Fernie is wildlife country and there have been a number of grizzly bear and moose sightings reported on the Lazy Lizard trail and Mt Fernie Provincial Park area. You should always be prepared and expect to encounter wildlife anytime and know how to respond to encounters and prevent conflict.

At a recent International Conference on Bear Research and Management in Alaska, John Gookin held public demonstrations on how manage bear encounters and use bear spray. His learning opportunity was about safety when a bear approaches. In his video, there some information that might help if you find yourself staring down a grizzly on some Fernie biking or hiking trail.

Human and wildlife conflict such as wildlife showing aggressive or defensive behaviour, such as stalking and bluff charges, must be reported to a Conservation Officer Service who will then take the appropriate course of action. Call the Conservation Officer Service Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) 24 hr hotline on 1-877-952-7277. This allows officers to identify current hot spot locations and work with both residents and wildlife to encourage use of natural habitats and food sources before wildlife becomes habituated and/or a safety concern.

If you have sightings to report on trails to share with other trail user’s thank you for emailing fernie@wildsafebc.com.