Bears are attracted into our neighborhoods because of available non-natural food like garbage and fruit. We can reduce the potential for human-bear conflict by simply managing attractants. Our neighborhoods must be porous to wildlife activity. This means ensuring that wildlife can move through our community without being attracted to non-natural food. We do not want to invite wildlife to stop and stay.
PLEASE CALL 250-286-7630 OR 1-877-952-7277 if you see any bears around your neighborhood
Bears are opportunistic omnivores and will return time and time again to a readily available food source. However, if the attractant is secured or removed, the bear will move on.
· Always use locks to secure residential garbage totes at all times if outside
· Put your garbage tote curbside between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. only on collection day and never the night before
· Reduce odors by freezing the smelly stuff in a Ziploc bag and dispose of the bag on collection day.
· Rinse out all recycling material to reduce odors.
· Do not use bird feeders during bear season or hang feeders at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 10 feet away from trees or climbable structures. Ensure seeds are not collecting underneath the feeder by using a catch tray.
· Maintain an odorless compost by liming, turning frequently, cutting food into small pieces, layering greens with browns and never add meat, fish, fats or oils.
· Consider an indoor worm composer.
· Feed pets indoors and keep all bowls indoors.
· Keep barbecues clean and grease free by burning an extra 5 minutes after removing food and remove or clean barbecue tools.
· Move fridges and freezers indoors or lock them.
· Talk to your neighbors about managing their attractants.