Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to [the news story] North Shore Rescue Warns of ‘Pushy’ Black Bear, by Brent Richter, May 27 print edition.
The advice that the North Shore Black Bear Society and I shared with the hikers right after their encounter was captured effectively in the article.
At this time, I would like to stress that those one to two assertive steps forward are recommended only for a bear that needs to be firmly reminded to respect our space and maintain a healthy distance from people.
As mentioned, if a bear is not respecting our space, it is most often because the bear is a young “teenage” bear. These young bears soon outgrow this risky, precocious behaviour.
By nature, most bears avoid close encounters with people out of respect.
The recommended procedure if you see a bear is to stay calm, speak calmly to the bear, and slowly back away or leave the area.
All sightings should be reported to [email protected] or 604-317-4911 so that information can be provided and bear-in-area signs can be posted in residential areas.
Ellie Lamb
North Vancouver
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