Squamish residents can now keep up-to-date on bear and cougar sightings in town.
As a part of its 2012 Bear Aware program, the District of Squamish has set up its geographic information system (GIS) map to highlight wildlife spottings. Residents are able to view this at www.squamish.ca and can sign up for wildlife alert emails at http://squamish.ca/node/1172. The emails will be based on reports provided to the area's conservation officer service 24-hour hotline - 1-800-877-925-7277 or #7277 on cellphone.
The district remains committed to supporting wildlife awareness, Mayor Rob Kirkham said in a statement. In its eighth year, the local Bear Aware program aims to reduce human-animal conflicts through education, innovation and cooperation.
"This program has historically enhanced individual and community awareness of bear activity and human-bear conflicts," Kirkham said. "Continued education plays a key role in reducing harmful encounters with all wildlife."
