Elijah Washington, a stewardship technician with the Haida Nation, is working to create new dens for coastal black bears on Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. The initiative involves modifying old cedar stumps to provide winter shelters for the bears, as logging has significantly reduced their natural habitat. The Haida Nation has modified seven stumps this summer to support the coastal black bear, a subspecies that relies on large old-growth trees for denning. Wildlife biologist Helen Davis emphasizes the importance of these dens for the sustainability of the bear population, as cubs require a safe environment for nursing during winter.
The logging industry continues to pose a threat to old-growth forests, which are essential for bear dens. BC Forests Minister Ravi Parmar stated that halting logging entirely would negatively impact the sector. Davis has noted that some have suggested alternative materials for bear dens, but she advocates for preserving old-growth trees. The program initiated by the Haida Nation could serve as a model for bear conservation globally, although there are concerns that it might provide justification for continued logging.
Lisa White, a councillor with the Old Massett Village Council, expressed emotional distress over the sight of modified stumps, indicating the extent of environmental damage. She highlighted the traditional practices of the Haida people, who historically used wood sustainably without depleting the forest.
Davis's research has shown that bears are heavily dependent on old-growth trees for denning, and the new dens created by the Haida Nation are temporary solutions. The modified dens are designed to be suitable for bear use, and the Haida crew is also working to ensure that the dens smell familiar to bears by incorporating hair from deceased bears.
By the end of October, the team plans to complete three additional dens, bringing the total to ten. The locations of these dens are kept confidential to protect the bears from potential hunters. The Haida Nation is also concerned about the illegal hunting of bears for their gallbladders, which are sought after in some traditional medicines. Monitoring the new dens will help assess bear health and habitat needs, with plans to use cameras to record bear activity throughout the year.