It’s almost hard to believe, almost, that yet another bear has had to be put down because careless campers left food out in the Mt. Kidd RV Park in Kananaskis Country last weekend.
We’re not sure if the incident (page 13) speaks to ignorance as to human/bear interactions, the ignoring of signage and warnings or a general lack of respect for the environment and wildlife.
We realize in many areas of Canada, the death of a single black bear would raise little alarm. But here in the Bow Valley, we’re rather enamoured with our wildlife and would rather the animals lived out their days without hindrance from the human population.
The thing is, there is a lot of information out there as to how to best avoid human/wildlife interactions. In the case of the Mt. Kidd campground, because bears had previously been reported, extra steps had been taken, including the posting of warnings, visits to campsites by interpreters and efforts by campground management and staff to warn against leaving foodstuffs in the open.
Short of a wildlife manager or campground staffer accompanying campers to their site and overseeing the setting up of a camp, what’s to be done?
Do we need much, much more signage on area highways – possibly LED warning units – warning that drivers are now in a wildlife zone? Do we take a page from the Canada Border Services Agency and subject all campers to stringent checks and searches?
Imagine, if you will, the angst to be found on Highway 40 into K-Country, or on the Trans-Canada heading into provincial or national parks, as drivers wait for hours on long weekends, a la Canada/U.S. border crossings, to enjoy a weekend in the wilds?
On the other hand, imagine the angst if, say, the black bear that was shot and at one point faced campers banging on pots and pans to scare it off – had reached a certain stress level and, angered it was being turned away from a free meal – turned on them?
Shamed campers driving out of a campground after being evicted is a much better scenerio than campers being driven out in the back of an ambulance.
In the end, it is up to campers, backcountry users, etc. to take responsibility for recognizing the situation, getting the information they need and then acting accordingly. For many visitors to this area, what is needed more than anything is the realization that they aren’t at home. Things aren’t the same here as in their backyard. Here, critters have teeth and are dangerous. Here, critters need to be given some space to live naturally and not enticed into making decisions that end in the loss of their life.
Just like city dwellers, for example, would likely be unwilling to simply wander the streets in many major metropolises for fear of criminal elements, appropriate precautions are required in our wilderness areas.
Don’t be so arrogant that you believe wilderness and wildlife should bend to your will; recognize that you are in unfamiliar surroundings and, like the slogans say, take home only pictures and leave only your bootprints behind.
Finally, for our visitors – do keep in mind that even in a campground, which may feel like a tiny village in the midst of the wilderness, our wildlife is right there with you. Treat it with respect.
