Bear Smart – Evaluating Program Effectiveness.

This project focused on assessing the attitudes of Manitoba cottagers toward eliminating bear attractants on their properties and evaluating the effectiveness of Bear Smart education programming.

The study involved an omnibus survey of residents from three cottage communities and regular audits to identify bear attractants present on their properties.

Cottagers’ recollections of the information provided during the Bear Smart education programming were analyzed to identify opportunities for improving future communication efforts. The findings informed appropriate changes to messaging strategies and led to updates in local bylaws.