With spring now arrived in Fernie, temperatures are rising, the snowpack is melting, and another ski season is drawing to a close — which means Fernie’s bears are beginning to emerge from their dens.

As bears awaken, the Conservation Officer Service (COS) and WildSafe BC are reminding residents to clear their properties of any wildlife attractants. It is far easier to prevent bears from accessing human food than it is to deter them once they’ve developed a taste for it. Spring presents a crucial window to prevent bears from forming dangerous feeding habits — habits that too often lead to their destruction.

Each year, bears are euthanized in Fernie due to preventable human behaviour. Last year was no exception. These animals deserve better. By being proactive and learning from past mistakes, we can help change the outcome.

You can help prevent bear destruction by ensuring your property is free of attractants such as; Unsecured garbage, Dirty barbecues and Bird feeders.

If bears begin the season feeding on human food sources, they are far more likely to be destroyed later.

WildSafe BC appreciates your efforts to remove potential attractants and encourages you to talk to your neighbours about doing the same.

When using trails, make enough noise to alert bears to your presence and always carry bear spray in case of an unexpected encounter. Remember, bears are not interested in people and typically only react when startled or feeling threatened.

Please give these animals space, avoid using trails at dawn and dusk, and make noise when hiking or biking.

Let’s all do our part to ensure Fernie’s bears — and its people — stay safe this spring.

For more information, visit www.wildsafebc.com.