As we step into the new year, I find myself already thinking about spring and the bears emerging from hibernation. In the Sea to Sky region, including Whistler and Pemberton, grizzly bears are an important part of our shared landscape. Their presence—especially in spring—is both natural and beneficial for healthy ecosystems.
Grizzly bears emerge from hibernation with one goal: replenishing their energy reserves. They seek natural food sources like skunk cabbage and fresh vegetation in valley bottoms as snow recedes. Unfortunately, if human food sources such as garbage, birdseed, and pet food are accessible, bears will exploit them instead. Human foods are much higher in calories than emerging vegetation, making them tempting but dangerous, as bears risk habituation to humans and their structures—often leading to conflicts, and ultimately, the removal of the bear.
A safe passage, not an ecological trap
In the past few springs, both Whistler and areas of Pemberton have consistently seen grizzlies moving through residential neighbourhoods. While these sightings may cause concern, this behaviour is normal. Bears follow historic, natural travel corridors into valley bottoms to access snow-free habitats and critical food sources. With dens still snow-covered, valley bottoms provide the greenery bears need to survive.
To ensure grizzlies can move safely through these landscapes without becoming caught in an “ecological trap” created by human attractants, proactive measures, like securing your garbage, are crucial. Management of human-provided attractants is key to coexistence. A bear that becomes conditioned to feeding on human foods/garbage may associate humans with food, increasing conflict risk. Creating safe wildlife corridors allows bears to move naturally, reduces conflicts, and supports genetic diversity in fragmented populations. Connectivity like this is especially vital for critically endangered populations like the Stein-Nahatlatch grizzlies.
The Three Rs of Coexistence: Remove, Restrict, Respect
As someone who lives in bear country, I’m excited about the Three Rs of Coexistence—a new slogan created by the Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative (C2C). It reminds me of the Rs for recycling, but these are designed to help us coexist with wildlife:
• Remove food sources like garbage, birdseed, or pet food that could attract bears;
• Restrict access to attractants using tools like electric fencing;
• Respect wildlife by giving them space and reducing human disturbance.
For me, this means ensuring my garbage is secured, clearing food scents from vehicles, and emptying bird feeders before spring. By adopting the 3R model, we can create safe passages for bears while safeguarding our communities and resources.
A shared responsibility
Grizzlies are returning to historic habitats in the Sea to Sky region—an encouraging sign for conservation. However, with this recovery comes the responsibility to adapt our behaviour. Human attractants are a human problem, and their management is critical to coexistence. This responsibility applies not just to grizzly bears but also to black bears.
As bears emerge this spring, let’s commit to fostering coexistence across Whistler, Pemberton, and beyond. By securing attractants, respecting wildlife, and supporting safe bear movement, we can support this threatened species while preserving the natural balance of our shared ecosystem. Let’s make the Sea to Sky area a leader in coexistence by adopting the 3R principles and minimizing human-wildlife conflict.
What steps will you take to become a better bear steward in 2025?
Naturespeak is prepared by the Whistler Naturalists. To learn more about Whistler’s natural world, go to whistlernaturalists.ca.
