Friday September 12. A bear was seen by the skate park in Fernie.

Fernie is Wildlife Country

The Safest Wildlife Encounter is One Prevented

Avoid surprise encounters: Call out, clap your hands, sing or talk loudly
Look for signs of wildlife: Tracks, droppings, diggings, claw-marked trees, torn-up logs, overturned rocks and food caches.
Travel smart: Stay in groups, stay on marked trails and travel in daylight.
Do not litter: Pack it in, pack it out.
Carry bear spray: Keep it accessible and know how to use it as your last best defense.
Dog owners: keep your dogs under control. They may provoke defensive behavior in wildlife.
Cyclists: speed and quietness put you at risk for sudden encounters. Slow down and make noise.
Never Approach or Feed Wildlife
If you encounter a Bear:
 STAY CALM
 DO NOT RUN
 Let the bear know you are human (arms out to side)
 Use your voice in a calm, assertive manner.
 Back away slowly and allow the bear an escape route
 Never turn your back on wildlife
 Do not approach or feed wildlife

If you encounter a Cougar:
 STAY CALM, DO NOT RUN, MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT
 Pick up small children and small pets
 Let the Cougar know you are human-NOT prey
 Make yourself as large and as mean as possible
 Use your voice in a loud and assertive manner
 Back away slowly. Never turn your back on wildlife
 If the Cougar attacks, fight back with everything that you’ve got, it is a predatory attack
Never Approach or Feed Wildlife
Report human/wildlife conflict to 1-877-952-7277(RAPP) or #7277 on cell.

For more information on preventing human/wildlife conflict visit www.wildsafebc.com