Did you know? White Bears are more Successful...

The white coat of the Kermode bear should stand out like a sore thumb in the forests, shadows and rivers of coastal B.C.

Instead, new research by University of Victoria biology professor Tom Reimchen and graduate student Dan Klinka shows that the Kermode, also known as spirit bears, are about 30-per-cent more efficient at catching salmon than their conventional black-bear cousins.

However, the advantage applies only in daylight, when salmon apparently have more difficulty spotting a white bear standing in the water. When bears go fishing at night, black bears have a slight advantage.

For the full article - click here

BC is Stained by the Blood of the Great Bear - The Trophy Hunt Begins Today...

September 10th (today) marks the beginning of the fall bear hunt trophy season. To everyone at Bluewater Adventures, and many other BC organizations, tour operators, environmental groups...this marks a very disturbing time. Surveys in the area are already showing an extreme lack of bears in the area because of the reduced number of salmon. For more on the bear hunt and other conservation efforts in the Great Bear Rainforest, please visit http://www.pacificwild.org/

Bluewater Captain Neil Shearar is also launching a new Campaign this week to urge the provincial government to take action on this issue. Join his Facebook group today "BC is Stained by the Blood of the Great Bear" and talk about your experiences in the area, your thoughts on the hunt, and make your own t-shirt to support the cause. Bluewater staff are taking action against the hunt...will you? Purchase your stop the hunt bracelets onboard our vessels in support of the movement.

Check out an article printed yesterday in the Globe and Mail about the lack of bears in the Rainforest. Click Here

STOP THE HUNT - www.pacificwild.org

Picture: Pacific Wild www.pacificwild.org

Article Source: www.pacificwild.org

First Nations, Animal Protection and Conservation Groups Unite to Save Bears in BC’s Great Bear Rainforest

Groups call on BC Government to End Trophy Hunting of Bears before April 1st
(BRITISH COLUMBIA, March 17, 2009) First Nations, animal protection and conservation groups have united to protect bears from cruel and unsustainable trophy hunts. At a press conference today, the groups urge the British Columbian government to end trophy hunting of bears in the Great Bear Rainforest prior to the opening of the spring bear hunt on April 1st.

“One might expect that in the Great Bear Rainforest, bears could live and thrive in peace,” said Bruce Passmore, director of outreach for Humane Society International/Canada. “But trophy hunting of bears is still permitted in the Great Bear Rainforest, even in protected areas. It is time for the provincial government to heed public opinion, the best available science and economics by giving these magnificent animals the protection they need to survive.”

According to a 2009 Ipsos Reid poll, 78 percent of British Columbia residents oppose trophy hunting of bears in the Great Bear Rainforest. First Nations groups are in agreement and also want an end to the trophy hunting of bears.

Kitasoo/Xaixais Chief Percy Starr is disappointed that all species of bears in their traditional territory are not protected. “We’ve spent years to ensure our lands are protected, only to learn that trophy hunters can continue to come on our lands and kill bears for sport.” “It's not right that anyone should make a sport of killing,” said Guujaaw, a spokesperson for Coastal First Nations. “Bears are as much a part of the environment as we are.”

For the rest of this article, check out www.pacificwild.org Voice your opinion!

Where the White Bears Roam...

Ian MacAllister is speaking and guiding this group through the Great Bear Rainforest. He is from Pacific Wild Foundation, and founded Raincoast Conservation.

Kermode Sightings in the Great Bear Rainforest!

September is a great time to be in the Great Bear Rainforest, not only for the usually co-operative weather, but the wildlife is plentiful! Grizzly and black bears are frequently seen feeding on the salmon in the rivers and estuaries, so there is great bear viewing. Orcas and Humpback whales are usually spotted at this time of year as well.

It is a wonderful time to spot the all-white Kermode bear, which a couple of our trips have already done this September. With the help of local guides our guests are having fantastic opportunities to see the Spirit Bear! This is definitely a rare experience on the British Columbia coastline. Book now for 2009 and take advantage of early booking discounts!