As the berry crop dries up, apples start to ripen and garbage is available. Expect bears anytime. The summer is coming to an end, take some time to bear proof your property. Lock up the garbage, clean up the fruit trees, burn off the barbecue and bears will move on!
The natural curiosity of bears brings them into our communities. While exploring our residential areas, they become ensnared in a web of garbage and other attractants. Bears are ruled by their stomachs; if they cannot find the food they need, they soon leave the area. Foraging in communities is a learned behaviour that threatens the safety of both the bears and the residents of that community.
The reduction of bear attractants (garbage, fruit trees, dirty barbecue, pet food) will minimize complaints and reduce the number of animals that have to be destroyed or relocated each year. This reduction of bear attractants (and hence human-bear conflict) not only protects a significant wildlife resource, but also frees Conservation Officers to pursue other important duties – and saves the taxpayer money.
WildsafeBC
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