Over the winter, 2,383 students in Abbotsford became WildSafe Rangers, learning about human-wildlife conflict and fostering a respectful relationship with all wildlife.
A total of 29 schools and one youth group have participated since Dec. 1. The program complements the B.C. science kindergarten to Grade 9 curriculum to foster “a basis for an intuitive relationship with and respect for the natural world; connections to their ecosystem and community; and a sense of relatedness that encourages lifelong harmony with nature.”
WildSafe Rangers learn about the basic needs of local wildlife, root causes of human-wildlife conflict and how it impacts both groups, how to prevent human-wildlife conflict and how to stay safe in wildlife country.
“Bears are said to be emerging from their winter dens early this year due to mild winter temperatures, so bears might become extra resourceful when looking for unnatural food sources,” WildSafe BC Fraser Valley coordinator Gabriela De Romeri says. “It helps to create a unified goal in the community when access to education about wildlife is increased and begins earlier during childhood.”
The program is free thanks to support from the City of Abbotsford. The WildSafeBC Fraser Valley community program will run again April 1 to Nov. 30. De Romeri is encouraging teachers in the Fraser Valley to consider booking a program before the school year ends in June.
Visit wildsafebc.com for more information.
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