Kimberly Titchener fell in love with big bears while working as a wildlife interpreter in Banff National Park in 2004. On her first day, she had to block off a road where a grizzly bear was eating an elk.
But things went south when the bear charged toward her. Thankfully, Titchener was able to stay safe. While most people would soil their pants, she fell in love with bears after her wild first encounter.
“All of a sudden I see this giant fur ball of like congealing fat just running straight towards…and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I’m about to die and she’s running straight at me and the road,’” Titchener explained to the Edmonton Journal.
Since then, Titchener founded Bear Safety and More, a company that helps people learn about wildlife safety in Western Canada, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and the United States.
Despite her years of work, Titchener still remembers a special grizzly bear named #66. She followed her and her cubs for two summers, helping them live near people in Banff.
Sadly, #66 was hit by a train and died, leaving behind three cubs. “I could hear her collar beeping as we tracked her from our truck…we got a mortality signal and she was gone,” recalled Titchener.
Three weeks later, two of the cubs were also struck on the highway. The final cub was taken to a zoo, which was heartbreaking for Titchener.
Now, Titchener focuses on protecting grizzly bears in Alberta, where they are a threatened species with less than 1,000 surviving. She hopes the government will make changes to preserve the bears.
Titchener works with industries like oil and gas, forestry, tourism, and government agencies to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife.
She also develops courses to educate people about wildlife dangers and how to live safely with animals.
The Edmonton-based bear lover received the Roland Michener Conservation Award from the Canadian Wildlife Federation for her dedication to wildlife safety and conservation.
The award is given to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to conservation through activities that promote, enhance, and progress the preservation of Canada’s natural resources.
Titchener aims to inspire more people to join in conserving wildlife and keeping both humans and animals safe—her plans for the future include helping polar bears in the Arctic.
She is working with Polar Bears International on a project to assess the risks and hazards for polar bears. Like many bears, polar bears eat garbage, creating a dangerous flashpoint for bears and people.
Titchener believes Canada needs more funding and resources to help polar bears and the communities in the Arctic affected by climate change.
Through her work, Titchener hopes to make a difference and ensure that future generations can appreciate the beauty and importance of these magnificent creatures.
