Local bear-education campaign unveiled to reduce euthanizations

Don Andrews of Bears (Bear Education and Rehabilitation Services) presented a local campaign developed with Kurt Gardner and Kelly Hunkkins to reduce human–bear conflict by educating visitors and residents.

Andrews described a pledge for people visiting businesses, campgrounds and lodgings that asks participants to "Never feed deer or bears" and to photograph wildlife only from a safe distance. "By taking this pledge, you'll be helping keep our wildlife safe," Andrews said. The campaign would distribute stickers, patches or badges to children who take the pledge and would place posters in motels, restaurants and campgrounds; a domain name KeepOurWildlifeWild.com was noted as a planned hub for information.

Andrews also said the group has spoken with state officials and expects further feedback on campaign verbiage by late April or early May. Board members welcomed the outreach as complementary to the proposed local law and encouraged continued coordination with law enforcement and state wildlife staff.