By Alex Day, Marketing/Communications & Database Director
North Cascades National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the majestic black bear. These bears are a symbol of wilderness and are, for the most part, highly respected by visitors who come to the park. Unfortunately, not all visitors who come to the park are aware of the correct way to recreate in bear country. That’s where the Bear Essentials project comes in, thanks to generous donors to Washington’s National Park Fund.
The Bear Essentials project aims to educate visitors on how to safely coexist with bears in the park, while also ensuring that bears do not become reliant on human food. The project started as a pilot program utilizing Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, and it was a great success. As a result, the project will continue, including visits from “Bear Rangers” to Colonial Creek and Newhalem Creek Campgrounds this year, with additional funding from Washington’s National Park Fund.
To learn more about the project, we spoke with park staff about their experience with the program. According to the park, the funds will be used to hire two seasonal rangers. These rangers will use the park’s “Bear Trailer” to provide both formal and informal interpretive programming, education on bear biology, and assist campground rangers with food compliance – all while on the move.
By the numbers, donor support has a huge impact on the park’s ability to reach visitors and provide important lessons on how to respectfully coexist with the wildlife that calls the park home. Last season, 3,200 visitors were contacted in the campgrounds as part of the park’s campground roves. Almost 2,500 visitors participated in informal interpretive programs, and more than 750 visitors attended formal educational programs. These numbers show that the Bear Essentials project is making a real difference in the park.
The staff also noted that the project was a huge help in educating visitors on food compliance in the campgrounds. Black bears are prevalent in North Cascades National Park, and having uniformed staff in the campgrounds specifically to interact with visitors reduced the opportunities for bears (and people) to get into trouble.
Washington’s National Park Fund joined Ranger Dave Hursey for a virtual field trip where we learned all about bears and what visitors should do if they encounter them. Ranger Dave shared the importance of storing food in bear-resistant containers or locking it in your vehicle. He also emphasized the need to properly dispose of food waste, as even small scraps can attract bears.
The virtual field trip also provided fascinating facts about bear biology, such as the fact that bears can run up to 30 miles per hour, swim up to two miles, and have a sense of smell that is seven times stronger than a bloodhound! Understanding these facts can help visitors to better appreciate and respect these amazing animals.
The Bear Essentials project is an essential initiative that is making a real difference in North Cascades National Park. By educating visitors on how to recreate in bear country, we can ensure that both visitors and bears are safe and can continue to enjoy the beauty of the park.
If you are planning a visit to North Cascades National Park, be sure to check out the virtual field trip and learn how you can do your part to protect these magnificent creatures.
Washington’s National Park Fund is the official philanthropic partner to Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. With your help, we raise private support to preserve and protect Washington’s national parks, funding scientific research, youth and family experiences, and projects that will keep these parks strong and vital now and forever, for everyone. Support projects like this one by making a donation that will have a positive impact on the parks.
Cover photo: North Cascades National Park, Deby Dixon