Keep wildlife wild and our community safe

From WildSafeBC Central Okanagan

Monday, April 27, 2026

Bear activity ramps up in the valley in the spring and WildSafeBC asks residents to prevent wildlife from making food of household garbage and other unnatural sources.

In spring, after hibernation, bears need protein-rich food and residents should ensure their property does not provide easy meals. Bears that access household garbage and other unnatural sources quickly become food conditioned and habituated to people, causing them to roam around homes and tolerate humans in closer proximity than what is safe for them and us. If sows teach cubs to forage for unnatural food, it will also lead to property damage and safety issues and, sadly, shorten the bears’ lives.

Bear activity is more likely to occur in westernmost mountainside neighbourhoods such as Glenrosa, Shannon Lake, Shannon Woods, Smith Creek, Tallus Ridge, Rose Valley and West Kelowna Estates.

WildSafeBC Community Coordinator Breanna Scott is working to assist Central Okanagan communities, including West Kelowna, until the end of October, to help reduce human – wildlife conflicts through education and awareness at community events, curbside collection bin tagging and more. If you have questions, please call or text 306-331-7084 or email CentralOK@wildsafebc.com.

WildSafeBC Homeowner’s Checklist

Garbage and recycling

• Keep waste indoors until the morning of collection day or take to a designated facility.
• If indoor storage is limited, freeze smelly garbage and place it in the bin on collection day.
• Wash recyclables before placing them in the bin.
• Keep bins clean to reduce lingering odors.

Bird feeders and pet food

• Attract birds with birdbaths and birdhouses instead of feeders.
• Feed pets indoors and store animal food inside. 

Barbeques, smokers and firepits

• Burn off grills and clean grease traps after each use.
• Store covered in a secure area. 

Composting

• Turn compost regularly, adding half-brown materials such as leaves or shredded paper.
• Do not add enticing attractants such as fish, meat, grease, oil, eggs or dairy products.

Human food

• Keep food secure indoors, not in vehicles.
• Avoid using outdoor fridges and freezers.

Livestock and bees

• Use electric fencing around chicken coops and beehives.

Shelter

• Eliminate wildlife sheltering opportunities by locking shut garages and sheds and clearing shrub or tree cover near the ground.

Wildlife encounters – if you cross paths with a bear or other dangerous wild animals:

• Stay calm.
• Do not scream or run.
• If facing the animal, calmly talk to it, back up, and give it space to escape.
• Go indoors if possible.
• Report human-wildlife conflicts to the BC Conservation Officer Service RAPP Line 1-877-952-7277.

Learn more

• For more information on local wildlife and WildSafeBC events, like and follow our Facebook page at WildSafeBC Central Okanagan.
• Visit wildsafebc.com for additional tips and resources.