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.