A wildlife professional photographer based in Whistler, B.C., is speaking up about bear safety after seeing a female with a dog method a young black bear – even after being cautioned to keep away.
Natalie Wannamaker was recording bears last Thursday when she saw the lady walking down a bike path towards the juvenile bear.
“As she happened the corner, I alerted her that there was a bear in the location,” Wannamaker informed CTV News. “I alerted her that if she got any better, she would be putting herself in risk. She disregarded my remarks and continued through the location despite the reality that she had a barking dog.”
Shocked and dissatisfied that the lady didn’t stop or move away, Wannamaker chose to share the story to alert the general public about what not to do when coming across a bear.
“It made me truly sad to see that she disregarded what I was stating since not just did she put herself, the dog, and the bear in risk, however anybody in the surrounding location might have been impacted by the bear had it chose to end up being aggressive if it felt threatened,” she said.
Wannamaker, who’s been photographing bears for 2 years and has actually taken wildlife courses, said it prevails understanding that wildlife remain in the Whistler location and individuals normally take correct safety measures.
“Everyone else that was continuing on the valley path had actually simply walked around or taken a various path, however she truly required an encounter that wasn’t required,” she said.
Fortunately, the bear didn’t respond strongly.
Wannamaker said the bear was consuming berries, took a look at the dog oddly and continued along its method, however the scenario might have turned hazardous.
“There are situations where a bear would not ignore to a dog,” she said.
Officials have long cautioned the general public not to come up to any bears and keep family pets under control as dogs might be viewed as a possible risk or victim.
“When I picture bears, I really utilize a telephoto lens,” Wannamaker said.
“And this permits me to remain a safe range far from the bears. So ensure you’re constantly keeping a couple of metres in between you and the bears you never ever wish to require an encounter,” she continued, including that she brings bear spray with her for more security.
Wildlife professionals state when it concerns black bear encounters, the very best recommendations is to stay calm, speak gently and gradually pull back.
