OBSERVATION:
I feel like it is unusually warm, especially within the coastal mountain range, for this time of year. While there was a high amount of snow accumulation during the winter months this year compared to last, there is very little in the form of rain recently. One of the earliest sightings of black bears was on March 10th on social media. Has the seemingly warmer weather caused the black bears to come out of hibernation and will this result in a second year of berry and plant shortage? Plants and berries seem to be blooming a little later than expected, and last year, I was surprised by the short-lived berry season. I expect the same to happen this year. If this is the case, the black bears will stay in the lower sections of the mountains longer, and thus, there will be more human-bear conflict due to the recreational activities and easier access to human food.
BACKGROUND:
The warm weather and low rainfall was similar around this time last year. According to the Vince Shuley in The Whistler Question article, last summer was a "warmer-than-average summer" which produced the worst berry crop in 22 years with the fruits ripening around three to five weeks earlier than normal" (September 15, 2015). This reduction in berries is supported by Michael Allen, a bear research in Whistler, as described in his article in The Pique (April 3, 2016). As such, the seemingly warmer weather has reduced berry crops, which in turn, have affected local bear population, include being destroyed.
In addition to the warm weather, there was little to no rain for the months of April/May and no rain for the month of June. Not only did this contribute to a reduction in berry production, but also increased and prolonged the fire danger in the region.
Black bears in Whistler 2016
Bears arriving early in Whistler 2015
2015 Pemberton forest fire
Weather Almanac
Whistler Weather History
Whistler weather statistics
Observations From Members 