Ep. 38 Bear & Wildlife Safety [in Winter] with Kim Titchener

Did you know bears can, and do, come out of their dens in the winter? If you’re shocked, we got you covered! Wildlife Specialist, Kim Titchener, who is the Owner of Bear Safety and More, is back on the podcast for the third time to help us navigate wildlife safety in winter! 

 

Learn about Bear Safety, Episode 5: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-5-bear-safety-with-kim-titchene%E2%80%AAr%E2%80%AC/ 

Learn about Wildlife Safety While Camping, Episode 15: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-15-wildlife-safety-while-camping-with-kim-titchener/ 

 

If you really want to see wildlife in winter, look more into the community of Churchill, Manitoba, where the community truly lives with the polar bears! 

 

Top Safety Reminders: 

• Always have bear spray accessible (not tucked away), and know how to use it 
• Make lots of noise, regularly (listen to today's episode, to hear Kim’s “Zombie Voice”) 
• Be alert 
• Keep kids and pets close  
• Teach kids: Stay safe as a group and look big, so you’re not misidentified as a “deer” 
• Keep scents and food away (even think of fruit trees in the backyard if kids are playing alone in an area with wildlife) 
• Carry a communication device 
• Carry a first aid kit (and take a wilderness first aid class) 

Think about where you are and what animals are in your area. 

 

Hibernation Learning Time: 

• You can still get attacked by bears in winter (so, don’t let down your guard in the cold) 
• Bear hibernation is called “denning” 

What is Bear Denning: 

• Bear heart rate slows down 
• Bear lives off of fat storages 
• Bear stays in a very calm state (unless disturbed) 
• Bear can come outside of den to cool off, or repair den from flooding  
• Bear gives birth in den  

How to Avoid Dens: 

• Stay on the trail! Most dens will not be close to a trail 
• Downhill backcountry skiiers and ice climbers are more likely to disturb a bear den, so carry bear spray 
• Talk to local authorities and find out if they’ve done any denning maps 

98% of people who encounter bears and administer their bear spray, walk away with no injuries. Bear spray has not been scientifically tested on other animals, but Kim has video evidence of it working on other animals, like cougars, for example.  

 

Reminder: 

• Check if you bear spray is expired 
• If it is expired, call your local municipal government to find out locations that accept it, to dispose of it properly 

Recommendations: 

Podcast: Ologies with Alie Ward https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ologies-with-alie-ward/id1278815517 

Book: The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad  

 

Follow Kim at: 
IG: @bearsafetyadventures
Twitter: @bearconflicts
Facebook: Bear Safety and More

Learn more at: www.recsafewithwildlife.com and www.bearsafety.com 

 

Thank you to Scat Belt for sponsoring today’s podcast! Get your Scat Belt today to always have your bear spray accessible at www.scatbelt.com and on IG: @scatbelt. Discount code is KIM for 15% off 

 

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore 

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music