In Mountain View County, beekeepers are facing a unique challenge as bears are showing a keen interest in their hives. Simone and Steven Dold run S2Apiary in Bearberry, a community situated about 107 kilometers northwest of Calgary in the Rocky Mountains’ foothills. Since starting their beekeeping venture in 2017, the couple has discovered firsthand that bears are irresistibly drawn to their hives.
Recently, the apiary captured a grizzly bear’s visit on camera when it wandered onto their property late at night on October 2. Despite the bear’s attempts to approach the hives, the electric fence proved to be a successful deterrent, as Steven explained.
Living in an area frequented by bears requires taking precautions, especially for those like the Dolds who have beehives on their land. To protect their hives, the couple employs properly installed electric fencing during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, which has proven to be highly effective in warding off bears. Additionally, they ensure not to attract bears by refraining from feeding birds or leaving out any potential food sources.
In the event of a bear breach, the Dolds take swift action by relocating the affected bee yard to prevent future visits. Their vigilance and bear-aware practices have prevented significant losses due to bear intrusions, emphasizing the importance of coexisting safely with wildlife in rural Alberta.
The increasing presence of grizzly bears in the region has caught the attention of Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen, who noted the species’ expanding distribution into new areas. This expansion is credited to the province’s recovery plan, which focuses on monitoring grizzly populations, minimizing human-wildlife conflicts, and enhancing public awareness on bear interactions.
While the recovery plan has led to a rise in grizzly bear populations, concerns remain regarding negative human-bear encounters. Loewen highlighted the importance of the Alberta BearSmart Program in educating residents on bear coexistence, with organizations like Mountain View BearSmart actively promoting harmonious wildlife interactions through monitoring, resources, and community events.
As bears continue to roam the countryside, residents, including beekeepers, must remain vigilant and adopt bear-safe practices to ensure a peaceful coexistence with these magnificent creatures.
