Guide For Learning to Live with Large Carnivores Soon Available
"Learning to Live with Large Carnivores: A WildCoast Primer and Guide"will be released Apr. 5th at a celebration in Tofino.
If you live in or visit wolf or cougar country, you'll want to get your hands on a copy of this invaluable guide on ways to reduce the risk of conflict with these large predatory animals. Electronic copies can be downloaded at no cost from this and other partner websites shortly after the launch.
Over the past few years, the incidence of encounters between people and large carnivores in and around Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has increased dramatically, raising concerns for the safety of both parties. To reduce this risk, park staff have worked with researchers to better understand why the frequency and nature of the encounters with wolves and cougars have changed. Disconcertedly, these animals are showing less and less fear of humans. On the other side, too many people are encouraging them to come closer to get the award-winning, fill-the-frame photograph. As both parties close the distance, the risk of something going terribly wrong increases.
Allowing dogs to run off leash is also a very dangerous behaviour. In several cases, these pets have been taken, or nearly so, right in front of the shocked and frightened owner. It's not a great leap from pet to owner for the carnivore to make.
To reduce the risk, Parks Canada staff have mounted an assertive public education and enforcement program at Pacific Rim. EKOS Communications is exceptionally pleased to be assisting with the campaign by producing a primer on the changing relationship with large carnivores. The primer will summarize leading-edge research on large carnivore and human interactions and provide guidance on proper behaviour when in the presence of these natural predators. Although the specifics will related to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and surrounding communities, the content should prove to be of immense use to communities elsewhere experiencing similar wildlife challenges.
Funding for this project is coming from Parks Canada Agency and the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust. The Trust's website features some pages about the Wild Coast Project.
