Mauling survivor and author Jeremy Evans, from Alberta, is one of the guest speakers at the event. A copy of the novel can be bought at Crockets Trading Company in Bellevue. Lisa Sygutek photo
Nicholas L. M. Allen
Apr 10, 2024
As the spring season unfolds and bears begin to appear after hibernation, the Crowsnest Pass BearSmart Association is gearing up to host a comprehensive Bear Safety Forum.
As the spring season unfolds and bears begin to appear after hibernation, the Crowsnest Pass BearSmart Association is gearing up to host a comprehensive Bear Safety Forum on April 20 from noon to 5 p.m.
The event aims to educate the community on bear encounters and prevention strategies, featuring a lineup of esteemed speakers.
Christy Pool, a representative from the Crowsnest Pass BearSmart Association, shed light on the forum’s goals during an interview.
“ We’ve been discussing different ways to keep the education and information flow into the community interesting and engaging for people because you want to keep it at the forefront of their mind, especially now that the bears are moving, “ said Pool, “We discussed having different experts that have had different experiences tell their stories”
The forum’s conception stemmed from the community’s interest in firsthand accounts of bear encounters, particularly investigations into maulings led by retired fish and wildlife officers. Pool emphasized the value of sharing such experiences to raise awareness and promote proactive bear safety measures.
Putting together resources from various fields, including biology and wildlife enforcement, was a seamless process, according to Pool.
“ They’re all like-minded and in that way,” she said, “Educating people and being open to that approach is something that is important to them as well.”
The collaborative effort underscores the shared goal of preventing bear-related incidents through community engagement and awareness.
Scheduled amidst the onset of bear activity, the forum aims to remind residents of the importance of bear safety measures.
“The timing of the event aligns with the bears’ return, serving as a timely reminder for residents to stay vigilant,” said Pool.
By bringing together experts and survivors, the forum looks to equip attendees with knowledge and strategies to mitigate risks effectively.
Attendees can expect insights from distinguished speakers, including biologist Clayton Lamb and retired fish and wildlife officers Todd Ponich and John Clarke. Additionally, mauling survivor and author of the book “Mauled,” Jeremy Evans, will share information about his harrowing experience during the event.
Pool highlighted the significance of attendees’ participation, urging community members to seize the opportunity to engage with experts and ask pertinent questions.
Pool expressed gratitude for the community’s support and emphasized the forum’s role in fostering coexistence with bears.
“We hope for a strong turnout and meaningful discussions that contribute to safer interactions with bears in our region,” she said.
Residents of Crowsnest Pass are encouraged to register at cnpbearsmart@gmail.com ahead of the event.