Spring means bears are not only out of hibernation, they’re hungry and looking for food.

While encountering a bear is rare, it does happen and when it does, things can escalate quickly.

Making noise usually scares them away but sometimes they come out of nowhere and as Provincial Wildsafe BC coordinator Vanessa Isnardy explains, having bear spray on you is essential. “Absolutely, that’s something we provide training on. There’s a really good page on our website that goes through all the ins and outs of carrying bear spray.”

“It’s really cheap insurance. It’s like having a seat belt, you may never need it, you may never get into an accident but for that one time you do encounter a bear or if you’re in a accident, you’ll be really happy that you had it.”

She adds bears don’t like dogs so if you have one with you, you should be extra cautious.

The bear smart page on the Wildsafe BC website has a wealth of information on protecting yourself and your property from a bear encounter.