Grade 4 Lesson: Analyzing Grizzly Bear Population Units
The decline in Grizzly populations causes an imbalance within our natural ecosystems. From the Syilx perspective, the well-being and existence of Grizzly Bears are deeply connected to the wellbeing of the land and all living things.
Please review full curriculum in the PDF at the bottom of the page to gain full understanding of the lesson and activity.
Grades: 4
Subjects: Science
Grizzly Bear Population
In 2018, the Grizzly Bear population estimate for British Columbia was approximately 14,925 bears. Before European settlers arrived in British Columbia, about 25,000 Grizzly Bears roamed throughout the province. Grizzly Bear populations have declined primarily in the Lower Mainland and the Thompson-Okanagan regions due to high human population densities. To prevent further loss of Grizzly Bears throughout British Columbia, we need limit development and human population density, secure suitable Grizzly Bear habitats, prevent potentially harmful land use, and carefully manage human-related Grizzly death rates.
Syilx Cultural Considerations
Although Grizzly Bears are occasionally sighted in the southern Interior and the Okanagan, their populations are considered extirpated (non-existent). The Syilx Okanagan people consider kiɁlawnaɁ (Grizzly Bear) as one of their relatives, who guides them in the ways of living in respect with the land and all living things. The Syilx people have a responsibility to maintain a harmonious, co-existing relationship with Grizzly Bears within their territory. However, the decline in Grizzly Bear populations severs these cultural connections and responsibilities, while causing imbalance within our natural ecosystems. From the Syilx perspective, the well-being and existence of Grizzly Bears are deeply connected to the wellbeing of the land and all living things.
Background Information
Grizzly Bear Movement within British Columbia’s Biomes
The Grizzly Bear has a unique habitat that includes valleys, meadows, forests and even mountains. On the coast of British Columbia, they mostly feed in estuaries and valley bottom wetlands, where generous amounts of grasses, skunk cabbage, and green vegetation are available to them. In the Interior, Grizzly Bears congregate in moist-low elevations during the Spring; however, they forage from a variety of elevations throughout the year.
Studies have shown that Grizzly Bears are creatures of habit and will usually return to the same seasonal food sources and areas throughout their lifetime, unless their food resources become sparse or unavailable. Their foraging strategies are somewhat flexible and adaptable, as they are capable of covering vast ranges.
Home range sizes for a Grizzly are dependent of the food quality, availability, and distribution. If development or human populations have disrupted the food sources in the region, Grizzly Bears will travel to other areas to accommodate their needs. Sow (female) Grizzly Bears have home ranges of 25 to 200km2, and adult males have ranges of 60 to 700 km2 or more. The large range sizes of male Grizzly Bears are often related more to breeding than food availability, while female bears navigate smaller ranges at their convenience, while caring for their cubs.
Biodiversity in British Columbia and the Okanagan Valley Biome
The province of British Columbia is known for its abundance of biodiversity and life. The unique qualities of the province are shaped by the Pacific Ocean and the mountainous terrain that spans most of the land, while simultaneously providing life to a rich abundance of organisms. These organisms, such as towering trees, migrating birds, marine animals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fungi, flowering plants and more all make up the web of ecosystems throughout our province. British Columbia’s climatic variation has also contributed to the diversity within these ecosystems, which vary from intertidal areas to forests to grasslands to alpine ice and snow.
Okanagan Valley: Climate within a Temperate Coniferous Forest Biome
The Okanagan Valley region is known for its dry, sunny climate and landscape, which vary depending on latitude. The north end of the valley receives more precipitation and cooler temperatures than southern areas. Typically, Kelowna acts as a transition zone between the south and north Okanagan.
The North Okanagan has a humid continental climate with warm, sometimes hot summers and cold winters. Dry forests with Ponderosa Pine and low grasses are prominent throughout the valleys and mountains in this region. The South Okanagan has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters. The average annual precipitation in this region is the second driest in Canada; areas near Osoyoos and Oliver claim to be part of Canada’s only desert.
What is a Grizzly Bear Population Unit (GBPU)?
Grizzly bears are divided into 55 Grizzly Bear Population Units (GBPU) in British Columbia. These regions range in area from approximately 2,700 km2 to 50,000 km2.
These distinct units help manage and identify local conservation concerns, track Grizzly Bear population trends, and apply specific management practices.
GPBUs are rated from low to extreme conservation rankings and are based on 1) population size and isolation 2) population trend, and 3) level of threat to bears or habitat. There are 7 threat subcategories: Residential, Agriculture, Energy, Transportation, Biological Use, Human Intrusion, and Climate Change.
Human development is the greatest threat to Grizzly Bear populations in British Columbia. Development can impact bears directly by increasing the frequency of bear and human conflicts, and indirectly by reducing habitat and food availability. The expansion of human settlements and agriculture can lead to the isolation of Grizzly populations, which reduces the movement of bears into the local area.
Part One: Analyzing Grizzly Bear Population Units (GBPU)
1. Have your students (independently or in groups of 2-3) explore the interactive map of BC’s 55 GBPUs.
2. Students will be expected to analyze and record data reflecting conservation rankings, population density estimates, and threats facing Grizzly Bear populations. (See data recording sheet in lesson plan attached).
Part Two: Personal Reflection
1. After students complete Data Analysis Recording sheet, have them further reflect on their learning with the guiding questions provided on the Critical Thinking and Reflection sheet (see Lesson Plan below).
Note: The critical thinking questions are intended for the students to reflect on local First Peoples perspectives, as well as their personal relationship/experiences with place and the environment. The data analysis recording sheet emphasized the curricular competencies, while the reflection is an opportunity for students to situate themselves in their own learning.