Be Bear Aware

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2019

Please manage wildlife attractants around your home and watch for bears in our parks.

As bears prepare for winter denning by increasing their food intake, the chances for human-bear conflicts can increase due to easily accessible unnatural food sources in orchards and neighbourhoods attracting bears into the community. Ripe and fallen fruit, nuts and vegetables, birdseed, pet food, unsecured garbage and unclean barbecues are all examples of wildlife attractants.

WildSafeBC asks residents to help prevent wildlife conflicts in the community by:

• Putting out garbage only on the morning of collection;
• Kindly encouraging neighbours to put out their garbage at the appropriate times too, and offering to help out if they are unable to do so;
• Securing garbage on non-collection days;
• Regularly cleaning waste and recycling bins;
• Keeping barbecues clean and grease traps empty;
• Picking ripe fruit, nuts and veggies; cleaning up fallen foods from the garden and yard, and mixing your compost well; and,
• Putting away and cleaning up birdseed and pet food.

Please report bear sightings in the community and human-wildlife conflicts to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

When planning to hike or mountain bike in our parks and wildlife areas, please:

• Know what animals you could encounter, many local trailheads have kiosks containing information about local fauna and flora, and watch out for signs of active wildlife in the area, such as fresh scat;
• Avoid a confrontation by making noise when you’re in the bush, going out in pairs or groups, and keeping dogs on leash;
• Understand the behaviours and dangers posed by bears, cougars, rattlesnakes, etc.; for information on this visit www.wildsafebc.com;
• Carry bear spray with you and know how to use it, as it is effective in deterring most large mammals;
• Consider that mountain biking and running increase your chances of encountering wildlife due to speeds and lack of noise; increase your noise levels and vigilance when taking part in these activities.

WildSafeBC is hosting BC Goes Wild Weekend in Kalamoir Regional Park on Sunday, September 15. Attend at 11 a.m. for a wildlife safety talk and training in the use of bear spray, which is suitable for ages 16 and up. At 12:30 p.m., take part in a family friendly nature walk. Please register by contacting WildSafeBC at okwestside@wildsafebc.com or 250-826-3114. You may also inquire about other local events and presentation opportunities.