BearWise Training w/ Kristin Botzet
When: Tuesday, July 28, 4-6pm.
Where: Methow Conservancy Upstairs (414 Riverside Avenue, Winthrop.)
Join the Methow Conservancy and Defenders of Wildlife to participate in a real time bear spray demo, learn more about human bear conflict, and take home a free bear spray!
RSVP Required. Click here to secure your spot!
This event will include a BearWise presentation from Kristin Botzet of Defenders of Wildlife, with topics including, bear biology, conflict mitigation strategies, tips for recreationalists, and what to do when you encounter a bear. The training will culminate in a live demo where each participant will deploy inert, training bear spray as a life size model moves toward them. This is a unique opportunity to safely practice an important skill in a low consequence environment. Then, you'll take home a free bear spray bottle to keep you safe in the future!
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Note that a portion of the Methow Conservancy parking lot will be closed for the bear spray practice session. A few attendees may need to park at the Town Trailhead and walk to the Methow Conservancy Office.
Reach out to Bridger with any questions about this event.
About Kristin Botzet:
Kristin is a wildlife biologist specializing in bear ecology and conflict reduction and is based in Twisp. She leads Defenders' carnivore conservation efforts and human-carnivore conflict reduction program in Washington state. Prior to joining Defenders, Kristin worked several years as a wildlife research technician on projects across the nation for government agencies, nonprofits and universities. She has experience working with a variety of species from black-tailed prairie dogs and spotted skunks, to fishers and grizzly bears. She holds a BS in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University and a MSc in Wildlife Sciences from the University of Tennessee, where her graduate research focused on analyzing the fates and movements of relocated black bears involved in human-bear conflicts and bear movement corridors along a major interstate highway.
