Press Release – Margo Supplies Announces New Human-Bear Conflict Research
Collaborating with UBC Okanagan
Margo Supplies is excited to launch a computer modeling study this year. In this project, our team will work with Dr. Lael Parrott from UBC Okanagan to identify the most effective methods for reducing conflict in Whistler, BC. Additionally, this collaboration will combine academic expertise with practical field experience.
Federal Funding Support
Dr. Parrott recently received federal funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Engage Grant. This grant, in turn, encourages partnerships between innovative Canadian companies and university experts. Moreover, it provides resources to develop solutions with real-world applications.
Understanding Human-Bear Conflicts
Conflicts occur when bears become habituated to humans or access unnatural food, such as garbage. Consequently, these food-conditioned bears can threaten property and public safety. Unfortunately, authorities often euthanize them when conflicts escalate.
Non-Lethal Deterrent Strategies
To address these risks, we will focus on non-lethal deterrents and attractant management. Specifically, strategies include aversive conditioning using pyrotechnic noisemakers, or “bear bangers,” and electric fencing around known food sources. In addition, these methods help conserve bear populations while protecting people.
Creating a Simulation Model
The Engage Grant will fund a computer agent-based model of the Whistler Valley ecosystem. Within this model, simulated bears will interact with the virtual environment. As a result, we can test deterrent strategies and predict their effectiveness before applying them in the field.
Forecasting Bear Behavior
Our model will forecast how bears behave under different management scenarios. By including both deterrent costs and responses to problem bears, municipalities can plan better. Consequently, this tool helps allocate resources efficiently and reduce human-bear conflicts.
Voices from the Project
“I think most people enjoy sharing the landscape with bears,” says Jeff Marley, president and founder of Margo Supplies. Therefore, we want to give municipalities a tool to guide their bear programs and help people coexist safely with wildlife.
“Human-bear conflict is a complex issue with ecological and social dimensions,” adds Dr. Lael Parrott. By analyzing how bears respond to human development across the landscape, we can improve management. Ultimately, this approach protects both bears and people.
