Now that summer is almost here, there have been many obvious signs that the ‘neighbours’ are back. After recently finding bear scat by my front door step, I was reminded that watching out for the signs of black and grizzly bears is an important life skill for staying safe in this remote location. Interestingly, some of this ‘bear awareness’ applies to life in general.

Bear awareness: Scat is usually black in colour and will contain the remains of what was last eaten. Bear scat changes colour to black after being exposed to the air. Green or steaming scat is very fresh and means that a bear is nearby.
Lesson: Never ignore crap, examining it is a worthwhile activity; you can tell how close the danger is.

Bear awareness: Claw marks on trees or rotted stumps and logs.
Lesson: There are always hints about what lies ahead; so pay attention to your surroundings.

Bear awareness: Bear tracks (bears have five toes and five claws).
Lesson: Watch the ground you walk on; it may help you decide if you want to stay on the current path.

Bear awareness: Taking photos of bears can be a fun and rewarding exercise if done safely. Remember that bears defend personal space.
Lesson: Is the risk worth the reward; are bears the only creatures that defend personal space?

Bear awareness: Never feed a bear. You are helping to kill a bear that way. Bears that get into human garbage learn to associate people with food and become habituated to humans. This means a bear will bypass natural food sources for high calorie food found in our garbage. A conditioned bear may become aggressive trying to defend its food source. A habituated and food conditioned bear has very little chance for survival.

Lesson: Addictions kill; nature nurtures.

Grateful to have learned how to get along with my neighbours, I am continually amazed at how lessons from nature can be applied to everyday life. I have often wondered … what signs do bears leave in the city?

Thanks to Michelle Moose and Mike for some great grizzly pictures.

Happy birthday Natasha.