Crowsnest Pass BearSmart takes message to the people

Austin Pool, John Clarke, and Elizabeth Anderson
C. Davis photos

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Crowsnest Pass Fish and Wildlife Officer John Clarke was busy last weekend, speaking at the opening of the Sinister 7 Race on Friday and then manning an awareness display in front of Blairmore's Spokes and Motors Ltd. on Saturday.


 "I did a talk to a thousand people yesterday on bear safety, because they were going to be doing their running," said Clarke.

Austin Pool demonstrates tracking equipment

"I came out today to help," said Austin Pool,  a 12 year old who has been volunteering with the Bear Smart Program in Crowsnest Pass for 3 years.   Pool demonstrated how many of the deterrents and other equipment worked.

"It's been positive," said Organizer Elizabeth Anderson.  "A lot of people have stopped by."

Clarke, Pool, and Anderson showed traps, snares, bear screamers and bangers, and other paraphernalia and gave out pamphlets to help illustrate their safety message.

Two trained Karelian Bear Dogs, Koda and Kuma were on hand as well. The bear dog program in the CNP was instituted 12 years ago by Wildlife Officers John Clarke and Kirk Olchowy.   Olchowy has since retired.

Clarke puts on a public awareness Bear Smart Program in June.  "Mine is all in the woods, and you learn everything from tracks, being aware, how to look for them, and how to protect yourself."

"Did you see the bear, while we were walking?"  he will ask of the group, after hiding stuffed bears along the trail to illustrate to people the need to be aware while walking in the woods.  He said that most often people pass by the concealed bears without even realising they were there.

In addition to providing a spot for the display, Spokes and Motors Ltd. owner Dave Taggart donated $500 towards the Bear Smart Program and put out a corporate challenge to other businesses in the community to do the same.

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