Photog trains lens on B.C. bears in Lynn Canyon talk

He was on an Arctic trip, about 800 kilometres south of the coast, when he spotted polar bears.

For primatologist and wildlife photographer Darren Colello, seeing a polar bear is usually a delight. But spotting a bear that far south of their historical terrain was troubling, he says.

The effects of climate change on bears is one of the subjects Colello may delve into at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre Saturday afternoon from 1 to 2 p.m.

While Saturday’s event is set to stay indoors, Colello frequently leads groups through the forest, pointing out signs of animal life that can elude the untrained eye.

“I just enjoy connecting people to nature,” he says. “That’s neat just to see their eyes opening up.”

His talk is set to focus primarily on the diversity and behaviour of B.C. bears, as well as conservation issues.

“I have a few small surprises for them as well,” he says.

After 30 years of studying bears, Colello finds the animals remain understood.

“They still have a bad reputation,” he says.

Bears roam massive spaces, Colello notes. It’s a trait that sometimes brings bears in contact with people, particularly when the smell of food coaxes bruins to barbecues and garbage cans.

Colello says he hopes his talk helps people become a bit more respectful of bears.

“I hope they gain a stronger respect for the wildlife we have here. How lucky we are to have that wildlife here and just to learn a little bit more so that they can appreciate it and do more towards conserving these animals.”

Anyone interested in learning more about bears can register by calling 604-990-3755. The cost is $9. lynncanyonecologycentre.ca