Human/Bear Conflict Management Plan
Inuvik & Mackenzie-Beaufort Delta Region
Amaruk Specialization: Bear Safety (2014)
Ryan Brooks
**Introduction**
The Inuvik and Mackenzie-Beaufort Delta region is home to approximately 5000 residents across five communities, all of which exist in close proximity to wildlife, including both black and brown (grizzly) bears. Historically, the Gwich’in and Inuvialuit peoples lived off the land through substance harvesting and maintained a deep understanding of wildlife behaviour and seasonal patterns. Today, while many residents continue to live traditionally, the region has also become a hub for government operations, industry, and southern based workers seeking employment in a unique and remote environment.
Ongoing development, including the construction of the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk highway, has increased access to the region and placed additional pressure on local ecosystems, particularly bear populations. Inadequate waste management, limited recycling infrastructure, and a growing population unfamiliar with northern wildlife have contributed to increased human/bear interactions. As a result, bears are increasingly labelled as “problem animals” and destroyed in the interest of public safety.
This plan proposes a practice, community based approach to human/bear conflict management that prioritizes education, waste reduction, non-lethal deterrence, and local monitoring, while working collaboratively with authorities responsible for the land and wildlife management. The goal is to improve public safety while significantly reducing the need to destroy bears.
**Community Context**
The Mackenzie Delta region’s population is expected to continue growing as development and employment opportunities expand. Many new residents arrive with little experience living alongside large carnivores, which increases fear based responses and unsafe behaviours. Bears, however, are not inherently dangerous; they are intelligent, opportunistic animals responding to human created attractants.
With proper education and infrastructure, humans and bears can coexist safely. This plan emphasizes respect for wildlife, understanding bear behaviour, and recognizing that human actions are often the root cause of conflict.
**Education and Outreach**
Education is the foundation of effective human/bear conflict prevention. Proactive education reduces negative encounters, promotes respect for wildlife, and empowers communities to respond appropriately when bears are present.
*Youth education*
Bear safety and wildlife education programs should be delivered through local schools and your centres. Programs should be age appropriate and developed collaboratively with organizations such as:
-Gwich’in Renewable Resources Board (GRRB)
-Local Renewable Resources Councils (RRCs)
-Inuvialuit Regional Council (IRC)
-Environment and Natural Resources (ENR)
These programs should focus on bear biology, behaviour, seasonal risks, and safe conduct on the land.
*Permanent Residents*
Annual community workshops held in spring and fall would provide residents with updates on bear activity, attractant management, and safety practices. These sessions would reinforce shared responsibility for reducing conflict within communities.
*New and Semi-Permanent Residents*
Mandatory bear safety orientation workshops are strongly recommended for newcomers working in the region. These sessions would cover:
– Bear identification,
– Safe travel and work practices,
– Attractant management,
– No-lethal deterrent use.
Mandatory training would reduce fear, promote confidence and protect both people and wildlife.
*Harvesters*
Harvesters have expressed growing concerns about bear encounters while traveling, fishing, and hunting. While lethal force is often viewed as the only solution, education offers safer and more effective alternatives.
Mandatory bear safety training for harvesters should focus on:
-Proactive avoidance strategies,
-Non lethal deterrents and hazing techniques,
-Safe food and carcass handling,
-Reducing attractants on the land.
Funding for these programs could be accessed through RRCs and partner agencies.
**Waste Management and Attractant Reduction**
Poor waste management is a primary driver of human/bear conflict in the region. Municipal dumps are open access sites that attract bears and other scavengers, while dispersed food waste within communities further increases risk.
*Current Challenges*
-Open landfill pits accessible to wildlife,
-No separation of food and non food waste,
-Scavenging birds dispersing refuse,
-Improper disposal of harvested meat remains,
-Free roaming dogs carry bones through town.
These attractants draw bears into communities, parks, trails, and waterways.
*Proposed Solutions*
-Implement community composting systems to separate food waste.
-Introduce Bear resistant garbage bins in public areas
-Improve waste storage and handing at municipal dumps.
-Deliver public education on food waste and wildlife attractants.
-Strengthen hunter education programs to reduce meat wastage.
-Continue to enforcement of existing regulations regarding wasted meat.
Reducing attractants is the single most effective way to prevent bears from entering communities.
**Wildlife and Bear Monitor Program**
Wildlife and Bear Monitors act as the eyes and ears of the community, supporting both public safety and wildlife conservation.
*Monitor Responsibilities*
-Observe and document bear behaviour,
-Identify human activities creating attractants,
-Engaging the public through education and conflict resolution,
-Deploying non-lethal deterrents and hazing techniques when appropriate,
-Acting as First Responder during human/wildlife conflict,
-Coordinate closely with ENR and Renewable Resources Officers.
Non-lethal tools such as bear spray, bear banger, and rubber bullets should be the first responses. Lethal control remains a last resort.
Any bear destroyed would be accounted for under existing tag allocation, hides returned to the community for cultural and educational purposes.
**Conclusion**
Human/bear conflict in the Mackenzie Delta region is a complex issue driven largely by human behaviour. Through education, improved waste management, and deployment of trained Wildlife and Bear Monitors, communities can significantly increase public safety while reducing bear mortality.
Success depends on cooperation between governments, Indigenous organizations, municipal leadership, and community members. With share responsibility and practice management, human and Bears can coexist safely in the North.