In spite of Pemberton’s current weather forecast, spring is right around the corner. And with the arrival of spring comes bears waking up from their hibernation.
Get a jump on bear season at the Pemberton & District Public Library on Thursday, March 13, where independent researcher Michael Allen will be sharing seasonal insights on our furry, soon-to-be-woken neighbours.
Allen will share “insights from his research on bear behaviour, including his findings on black and grizzly bear identification, their use of rub trees, survival rates, and fishing habits,” according to the Library.
Allen has been monitoring black and grizzly bears for more than 30 years. Each spring and fall, he gives an update on the number of bears he’s identified in the Squamish and Elaho River valleys, Whistler, Upper Lillooet River, and Upper Birkenhead River valley.
Allen previously spoke with Pique about his life-long love of the animals.
“I identified with bears,” he said. “I was just drawn to the outdoors, and I grew up on the edge of a mountainside. I didn't really like school, and I was just pulled into nature."
Allen uses 45 remote, high-resolution cameras to monitor large carnivores, including grizzly bears, black bears, timberwolves, and mountain lions. This year marks his 32nd year on the job.
“Nobody's really put in the time that I have out there. And I think a lot of people in the beginning thought it was kind of nuts and a little bit obsessive," he said. "But it's my 31st year. I'm still doing it… largely, I do it for me, and I think it's important."
The free event runs from 7 to 8 p.m. this Thursday. Be sure to RSVP through the Library’s website.
