2023 saw the most successful year to date for Bella Coola Valley Tourism’s electric fence initiative with a 70 per cent sales increase over the previous year.
As a result, the grant has been renewed for 2024 and valley residents will continue to qualify for a 50 per cent discount on premium electric fence components and scare devices. Much of the success can be attributed to more people learning about the program and seeing the benefits of more secured properties.
The program’s success can also be attributed to the addition of various wildlife scare devices, such as bear bangers, screamers and the surprisingly popular rechargeable Mega-Siren Blasters. Many of these products were bought to ward off the unusual conflicts from wolf pack encounters in residential areas.
The Grizzly Bear Foundation’s grant is intended to help improve safety in our communities by making premium fencing more affordable. Every dollar collected is re-invested back into the program to replenish stock. However, buyers should be aware that as the season ends, the chances of sold-out stock increases.
Bears are motivated by food, not malice. Once bears locate accessible fruit trees or other human-provided attractants, they’ll linger or even stay close by that food source. This creates conflicts between residents as well as with other bears and raises safety concerns for the entire community.
“There have been instances where a bear may be unfazed by a poorly designed or under-sized electric fence. The components we carry have more than enough power and deter any bear from gaining entry. When properly sized and installed, electric fences are extremely effective” says Tom Hermance, a former tourism president who is remaining with BCVT to volunteer and assist with the program.
“BCVT will only carry high-quality, heavy-duty components to ensure these fences have the desired effect.”
Aside from safety concerns, destroyed bears damage the valley’s reputation for the tourism economy.
“It’s critical for the valley’s ecosystem and tourism businesses that bear populations maintain stable numbers. Tourism owners and their employees are jeopardized when the numbers of bears get too low. We lose our greatest advantage over other B.C. tourist destinations.”
“BCVT is committed to proactive, responsible behavior to reduce bear attractants in our communities. We urge every valley resident to take responsible, preventive measures to safeguard their own property. Thanks to everyone for your participation.”
For purchase enquiries, please visit e-fence.ca
BCVT Email: info@bellacoola.ca
This article was submitted by the Bella Coola Valley Tourism Association
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