The Full Story
About
The Hope Mountain Black Bear Committee (HMBBC) was founded in July 2011 by local resident Lydia Koot.
It was created in response to an unusually high number of black bear encounters in Hope, British Columbia, with the goal of fostering a safer and more harmonious relationship between people and wildlife.
At HMBBC, we believe in co-existence—helping black bears and other wildlife thrive alongside the people of Hope through education, community involvement, and collaboration.
We work closely with the District of Hope, the Conservation Officer Service, the RCMP, bear safety groups, local organizations, businesses, and dedicated volunteers to create a community where both bears and people can live safely and respectfully.
In 2022, Lydia became a director on the board of Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter. Working closely with NLWS, Lydia is one of few individuals who help in rescuing bear cubs in needs for NLWS.
In 2025, Hope Mountain Black Bear Committee officially became a proud committee, under Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter.
Mission
Reduce human-bear encounters through education, cooperation and community support
Objectives
-
Reduce garbage going out early
-
Develop handout materials for canvassing problem areas
-
Provide public education forums using various media
-
Encourage bear education in schools
-
Raise funds for community and education resources
-
Research bear safety bylaws in various communities
-
Explore options for bear resistant garbage cans
-
Develop education resources, assemble a kit, develop a “look” for HMBBC
-
Establish a plan for recruitment and training of volunteers
-
Work with Hope District and staff, business community