Groups across Vancouver Island are partnering together to keep people and bears safer in potential encounters.
4TVI (Tourism Vancouver Island) is partnering with the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of British Columbia, Tourism Tofino, and Destination Campbell River to create a bear viewing and awareness campaign.
Executive Director of the Commercial Bear Viewing Association Kathy MacRae said there is no regulations for wildlife viewing in British Columbia unlike marine mammals.
“The Commercial Bear Viewing Association offers a set of best practices to follow that apply to commercially guided experiences but can also work when you see a bear on your own while travelling throughout the region.”
Strict standards will be put in place based on scientific research and First Nations input to ensure wildlife is undisturbed, their behaviors are unchanged, and their ecosystems are protected.
4TVI has created a short video called “For the Bears” to support their initiative and their partners will promote it throughout the fall and into next year.
To view the video, click here.
