Brown bear with cubs. Image courtesy of Wix.
Nicholas L. M. Allen
Mar 26, 2025
Community groups join forces to enhance public safety and wildlife management
The Crowsnest Pass Bear Smart Association and the Citizens on Patrol (COP) program have officially partnered with the local RCMP detachment in a new initiative aimed at improving bear aversion tactics and community safety. Representatives from both organizations presented the details of this collaboration to council on March 11, outlining how the partnership will strengthen local wildlife management and law enforcement efforts.
Bear Smart president Christy Pool, speaking alongside RCMP Sgt. Mark Amatto, explained that the organization has faced challenges following the retirement of longtime advocate John Clarke. The group’s previous collaboration with Alberta Fish and Wildlife had begun to weaken, as provincial resources were increasingly allocated to priorities outside of human-bear conflict mitigation.
“We began to recognize that we were not providing the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass with the exceptional level of service our community has come to expect,” said Pool in a statement to council.
While emphasizing that current Fish and Wildlife officers are doing their best under provincial directives, Bear Smart acknowledged the need for a new approach to ensure bear awareness and safety efforts continue at a high level. This realization led to discussions with Citizens on Patrol (COP) and the Crowsnest Pass RCMP, culminating in the formation of a joint initiative that integrates the expertise and resources of all three groups.
Under the new partnership, Bear Smart and COP volunteers will work under the guidance of the RCMP to patrol areas with frequent bear activity, track wildlife movement, and deploy mitigation tactics to deter bears from residential and high-traffic areas. The collaboration will also create improved communication channels between law enforcement and wildlife responders to identify problem areas, monitor trends, and develop proactive safety strategies.
“This partnership will allow us to track trends, identify problem areas, and show our high dedication to public safety and wildlife,” said Pool.
The initiative also maintains the longstanding working relationship between Bear Smart and the Municipality’s Peace Officers, focusing on preventing wildlife conflicts before they escalate. This includes addressing attractants such as unsecured garbage and food sources that may encourage bear activity in populated areas.
Council was informed that residents will see a greater presence of Bear Smart and COP patrols this summer, with vehicles equipped with orange flashing lights to increase visibility.
The partnership marks a first-of-its-kind initiative in Alberta, and Bear Smart representatives expressed gratitude to the Crowsnest Pass RCMP for their willingness to engage and support the program.
With enhanced cooperation between volunteers and law enforcement, Bear Smart and COP hope to set a new standard for proactive wildlife management while continuing to protect both residents and the region’s bear population.
Following the presentation, council accepted the Bear Smart and COP report as information, acknowledging the importance of community-led initiatives in public safety. Members commended the groups for their dedication and looked forward to seeing the impact of the partnership as it unfolds.
As Crowsnest Pass moves into the warmer months, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant about bear safety measures and report any concerns about wildlife activity to the appropriate authorities.
