F&G to Host Free Workshop on Bear Safety

All of Idaho is black bear country. Many parts of the Upper Snake Region are once again seeing grizzly bear activity, so it only makes sense that the agency responsible for managing bears would work to help the public learn how to live and recreate safely in bear country. Idaho Fish and Game will host a free workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, to share with the public "Everything you ever wanted to know about bears, but were afraid to ask." "Bears are all around us; so rather than live in fear, this workshop will work to educate about the basics of bear biology, how they interact with humans, and how we can help prevent trouble," said Gregg Losinski, regional conservation educator at Fish and Game and who organized the workshop. Losinski has been working to educate the public about bear safety for more than 15 years and heads the Information & Education Committees for the Yellowstone Ecosystem Subcommittee as well as its larger parent organization, the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. The workshop will build on his years of experience and collection of bear related images and videos. In addition to a presentation segment, the workshop will feature educational and hands-on components. "Everyone who attends the workshop will have a chance to see what life is like for our bears, as well as have a chance to learn how bears interact with humans," Losinski said. Participants will have the chance to check out special equipment designed to survive bear encounters and learn how to avoid and survive encounters. "Thanks to a donation by Counter Assault, the company that created bear spray, everyone will have a chance to spray a training canister of bear spray," he said. The use of firearms for personnel self-defense will also be discussed. The purpose of the workshop is to provide factual information to the public regarding the bears that are part of Idaho's natural wildlife heritage. Because some of the information discussed will be of a mature nature, the workshop is recommended for adults only. The program will be at Fish and Game regional headquarters at 4279 Commerce Circle in the St. Leon Business Park in Idaho Falls. Individuals with disabilities may request accommodations by contacting Losinski at Fish and Game at 208-525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD). Registration is not required, but as part of a social media experiment, attendees are encouraged to go to http://bearsafety.eventbrite.com and indicate that they plan to attend. Participants will receive a packet of useful bear education materials and be eligible for door prizes, including canisters of bear spray.