British Columbia has some of the highest populations of black bears in the world with estimates ranging from 120 to 150 thousand animals. Most of BC is considered “bear country” with bears living in coastal temperate rainforests as well as the dry interior. They are renowned for their acute sense of smell that allows them to locate food at great distances.
For this reason, TriCities residents are warned about keeping/minimizing attractions from bears in residential areas every year. Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam have all released bear awareness information about how to stay safe and how to keep bears out of your neighbourhood.
The most effective action you can take to prevent conflicts between people and bears is to manage garbage and other attractions properly. Here are 7 tips to get you started:
1. Never feed or approach bear
Don’t encourage a bear to come close to people. It is not safe for you or the bear. It is also against the law to feed a bear. If a bear is on your property, make loud noises to scare it away.
2. Secure food, garbage and recycling
The number one bear attraction is garbage and green waste being stored incorrectly. Food odours attract bears. And once they’ve been rewarded, they will keep coming back. Store your food and waste, including recycling carts inside a bear-resistant enclosure. Bears can break into cars and sheds. Keep your carts secured until collection day and only move your waste containers to the curb during designated times, usually 5:30am to 7:30am.
3. Remove bird feeders
One thing you might not think about to keep bears away are bird feeders. Bears love bird seed and suet. If you have bird feeders, you should only use them in the winter months. Make sure you clean up any seeds that spill onto the ground. Hang them high enough to avoid being within the bear’s reach. Of course, if you see bears often in your yard or neighborhood, you should avoid using bird feeders all together.
4. Feed pets indoors
Another way to eliminate the temptation for bears is to make sure you feed your pets indoors. Don’t keep food outside or unattended.
5. Clean and store grills
Keep your barbecue grill clean. Be sure to clean the grease trap after each use and make sure there is no food residue leftover on the grill.
Let your neighbors know if you see a bear. Instead of taking pictures of the bears, share this guide with them so they can avoid attracting bears onto their property.
If a bear finds a food source in your garbage or backyard, it will keep returning and will lose its natural fear of humans. That’s when the conservation officers have to step in and destroy or relocate the bear. However, 50% of bears that are relocated make their way back to the original location and ultimately are destroyed.
The best practice is to keep bears away from your food and keep yourself away from bears. Do not approach or try to take selfies with them. There is a good chance you or your pet could end up as their next meal. If you see a bear in your neighbourhood or park, report it to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
More Tips or Information in Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam
