Defenders' Experts
Polar Bears: In the Field
Defenders is working to develop a local and regional bear-awareness program to help minimize conflicts between people and polar bears. Bear-human interactions are increasing in Alaskan and Canadian coastal villages. Consequently, the number of bears taken in defense of life and property is also increasing.
A three pronged approach to minimizing conflicts is envisioned.
- First, work with leaders in the community to determine the current polar bear - human conflict issues
- Then, develop and distribute appropriate educational materials and work to identify opportunities to revise storage of animal carcasses that serve as polar bear attractants to the villages
- Finally, ensure that properly trained local patrols are put in place as a measure of last resort.
By educating people about options to minimize conflicts with bears, the need to resort to lethal control of problem polar bears can be minimized. Such bear-awareness programs have been quite successful in many areas with other bear species.
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