Mama Bears Welcome Tourists

Female grizzlies at bear-viewing sites in Alaska and British Columbia have learned that when tourists arrive, it’s time to feed their cubs, said Barrie Gilbert, assistant professor and senior scientist in Utah State’s department of forest, range, and wildlife sciences. Gilbert observed that mother bears know noisy boats and rumbling buses mean aggressive male bears that threaten their young have left the area. Mama bears and youngsters eat undisturbed, which should lead to healthier cubs and bigger litters.

 

From “Mother bears love tourists: study: grizzly watchers scare off aggressive males allowing females and cubs to feed in peace,” The Financial Post, Canada, Aug. 27, 2004.