Why We’re Bringing Bear Safety Training to MeadowView Reins
Join us July 25 | 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
If you've spent any time in the Cariboo this summer, you've probably noticed it too.
Bears seem to be everywhere.
Whether you're riding horses, hiking, checking fences, camping, berry picking, or simply walking down your driveway, knowing how to react around bears isn't just helpful—it can save lives.
That's why we're excited to welcome Jacques Drisdelle to MeadowView Reins for a comprehensive Bear Awareness Course on Saturday, July 25.
Learn From Someone Who Has Lived It
There are plenty of people who can teach bear safety from a textbook.
Jacques teaches it from experience.
For eight years he served as the Program Coordinator for the BC Conservation Foundation's Bear Aware™ Program, helping educate communities across British Columbia about preventing conflicts between people and bears.
Before that, Jacques spent his career with the RCMP, serving in remote communities throughout British Columbia, Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
His work wasn't behind a desk.
He investigated bear attacks involving black bears, grizzlies and polar bears, often arriving after real encounters that changed lives forever.
Decades of Real Experience
Jacques' knowledge began long before Bear Aware.
In 1975, while investigating several serious polar bear attacks in Canada's High Arctic, he worked alongside experts from the Canadian Wildlife Service, developing an interest in bear behaviour that has continued throughout his career.
Over the years he has:
Investigated attacks involving all three North American bear species.
Worked in some of Canada's most remote wilderness.
Helped communities reduce bear-human conflicts.
Consulted with companies operating wilderness camps.
Personally experienced aggressive encounters with black bears and polar bears while working in the field.
That kind of experience can't be learned from reading a manual.
Why This Matters
At MeadowView Reins, much of what we do happens outdoors.
Our riders explore trails.
Families hike.
Children play.
Many of us spend our weekends camping, fishing or working on ranches.
The goal isn't to become afraid of bears.
It's to understand them.
Most bear encounters end peacefully when people know how to read the situation, avoid creating conflicts, and respond appropriately.
Knowledge protects both people and bears.
Supporting MeadowView
This course is also helping improve our ranch.
All proceeds will go toward MeadowView's Safety & Accessibility Project, helping us continue creating a safer and more accessible place for children, families and community members to enjoy horses and the outdoors.
Event Details
Bear Awareness Course
📅 Saturday, July 25
🕣 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 MeadowView Reins, 4323 Parker Drive, Big Lake Ranch BC
🥪 Lunch Included
💲 $40 per person
Everyone is welcome—horse owners, hikers, hunters, campers, ranchers, outdoor workers and families.
With bears being especially active this year, there may never be a better time to invest a few hours learning skills that could make all the difference.
To register click here. Alternatively, feel free to email us at meadowviewreins@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!
