Fernie is famously bear country. Whether you’re out hiking, gardening, or simply enjoying the outdoors in Fernie, understanding our black and grizzly bear neighbors is essential—not just for safety, but for respectful coexistence.
It’s often noted that American black bears (Ursus americanus) number around 120,000–150,000 in British Columbia. Recent provincial and conservation sources, however, put that figure slightly higher at 120,000–160,000—estimates that have held steady for decades. vImportantly, these are derived from older surveys; modern, more rigorous population assessments are lacking. This uncertainty suggests that the black bear population could be more dynamic than commonly assumed.
Every year, the Conservation Officer Service fields between 14,000 and 25,000 calls related to black bears—truly illustrating how frequently these bears interact with people and dwell in proximity to communities.
In stark contrast, grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) are far less numerous in BC. The often‑cited figure of around 15,000 grizzlies is generally accepted—but grizzly population estimates are more contentious, with no uniformly agreed upon number. These bears reproduce slowly, and are considered the slowest‑reproducing land mammal in North America, a biological reality that only intensifies their vulnerability and explains why females fiercely protect their cubs.
WildSafeBC data confirms the public impact: grizzlies prompt approximately 400–500 Conservation Officer calls annually, far fewer than black bears, but nonetheless significant.
Most bear encounters end with the bear departing on its own. But animals that learn to associate humans with food can become bold. In communities like ours, even inadvertent attractants—garbage, compost, pet food, unpicked fruit, or unsecured recycling—can draw bears in, increasing conflict risk.
A recent case in West Creston illustrated the danger vividly: a woman used bear spray to fend off two grizzlies—one actively attacking her husband—underscoring both the seriousness of encounters and the efficacy of proper response tools.
Meanwhile, the tragic story of “Tex,” a grizzly who swam to Texada Island and was eventually killed after relocation delays, highlights the consequences of mismanagement and the complexity of wildlife stewardship, especially involving Indigenous communities.
Here’s how we in Fernie and other BC communities can reduce conflicts and keep bears wild:
• Secure attractants: Garbage, compost, bird feeders, and pet food must be reduced to “no‑bear” levels. This simple act saves lives.
• Stay alert during active season: Bears are most active from April through November. In mild winters or food-rich areas, activity may extend beyond this.
• Make noise and travel in groups in the backcountry: Don’t scare a bear.
• Be familiar with bear spray: As shown in the West Creston incident, bear spray can be a lifesaver when used properly.
British Columbia’s bear populations—both black and grizzly—are vital threads in our ecosystem. Yet, outdated estimates and escalating human-bear intersections remind us that numbers alone don’t capture the evolving dynamics at play. From the hundreds of bear-related calls in our region to shifting landscapes and growing human interaction, the relationship between people and bears is changing.
For Fernie, a community that thrives alongside nature, this means embracing practical wildlife awareness, securing human behaviors, and learning from broader provincial conflicts. In doing so, we ensure our shared habitats remain safe, wild, and sustainably balanced—honouring both human and ursine neighbours. You can read more about when to best use Fernie’s trails and how to reduce wildlife conflicts on new trailhead signs encouraging safe recreation with wildlife.
