Thank you for your interest in booking a workshop with the North Shore Black Bear Society. We offer a range of virtual and in-person presentations tailored to all ages. Presentations for North and West Vancouver School Districts are free. We accept honoraria to help support our educational outreach. Workshops cover basic biology, behaviour, seasonal habits, identifying sign, best practices for moving through wildlife habitat and how to respond in encounters.
CUBS
A hands-on interactive presentation designed for children. This presentation covers basic black bear biology, a black bear’s life cycle, basic bear behaviour, signs that a bear is in the area and what to do if you meet a bear. This presentation is a good option for preschools, daycares, and primary divisions in elementary schools.
Estimated length: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Recommended age ranges: 2 – 4 years old (Preschoolers); 5 – 8 years old (Kindergarten to Grade 3). Please note that presentations will be adapted based on the selected age range.
As we are a non-profit society, we very much appreciate donations for our work, if it is within budget.
LIVING IN BEAR COUNTRY
Learn about basic black bear biology, seasonal habits, how to identify signs, best practices for trail use, coexistence with bears in our neighbourhoods, and what to do in an encounter. This digital presentation is a good option for schools, homeschools, community groups, scouts and guides, day camps, and more. With integrated interactive game components.
Estimated length: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Recommended age ranges: Ages 9 – 13 (Grades 4 -7); Ages 13 – 18 (Grades 8 – 12). Please note that presentations will be adapted based on the selected age range.
As we are a non-profit society, we very much appreciate donations for our work, if it is within budget.
EXPLORING IN BEAR COUNTRY
In this workshop, participants will learn about how to safely explore in bear country. Topics of bear biology, behaviour, identifying bear signs, seasonal habits and considerations, avoidance strategies, bear deterrents, and how to respond in an encounter will be covered. Based on the needs of your group or organization, you may learn the best practices for hiking, biking, running, camping, and general recreational activities in bear country. This workshop is optimal for hiking groups, scouts and guides, outdoor recreation classes, field researchers, parks staff, and more. Digital presentation with artifacts to look at.
Estimated length: 1 hour
Recommended age ranges: Ages 13 – 18 (Grades 8 – 12); 18+ (Adult)
As we are a non-profit society, we very much appreciate donations for our work, if it is within budget.
Optional add-ons:
- Cougars and Coyotes (20 – 30 minutes)
- Bear Spray Training with Ursus Reversus (30 – 45 minutes) **Please note that Bear Spray Training is for groups aged 18+ only**
- What to do when a bear charges – North Shore News
Working in Bear Country (18+)
Working in bear habitat comes with a responsibility to reduce impact and risk. This workshop covers bear behaviour, seasonal habits, avoidance strategies, bear safety tools, and how to respond in an encounter. This workshop about bear awareness is a good choice for companies participating in outdoor work, field research teams, emergency and public safety workers, eco-tourism hospitality workers, wildlife photographers, filmmakers, and more.
Can be a digital presentation or informal group discussion.
Estimated length: 1 – 3 hours (depending on your needs)
*Minimum Donation of $150.00 Required
**Cost of Inert Bear Spray: $30.00 per canister (1 canister is good for two individuals to practice with)
Optional Add-ons:
- Cougars and Coyotes (20 – 30 minutes)
- Optional add-ons: Bear Spray Training (30 – 45 minutes)**Please note that Bear Spray Training is for groups aged 18+ only**
Bear Spray Training (18+)
In this hands-on workshop, participants will gain experience deploying inert bear spray. Participants will learn about proper techniques for use, when to use it, and when it should be carried. Attendees will leave the session with the fundamentals of how to use bear spray, and the importance of using it. Informal group discussion with hands-on component.
Estimated length: 30 minutes – 45 minutes
*Donation Required: Our suggested donation starts at $50.00, if it is within budget.
**Cost of Inert Bear Spray: $30.00 per canister (1 canister is good for two individuals to practice with)