Sooke Wildlife Watch
Helping to reduce and prevent problems with black bears.
Careful management of bear attractants is the first and most important step in controlling “bear problems”, as bears are motivated by hunger, not malice
By the time we recognize our mistakes, it is often too late for the bear.
Sooke Weekly Hot Spots
• Phillips Road, Whiffin Spit, Sooke River Road.
Several black bears have been spotted in these residential areas, foraging for garbage. This is a learned behaviour that threatens the safety of both the bears and the residents of that community.
Solution
What should I do if there is a bear in my yard?
First, ask yourself “what has attracted the bear to my yard?”
Second, call the Conservation officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
Do not let the bear feel comfortable in your yard. If you are concerned about confronting the bear, make a loud, preferably low frequency, noise (e.g. bang pots together) from the safety of your house.
A bear in your yard should never be a welcome sight. You must take quick action to eliminate attractants after the bear is gone. A bear that finds food once is likely to return to that spot. A returning bear will learn that the food is no longer available and will seek a meal elsewhere if you eliminate the food source.
Check out the following link for ways to manage your attractants:
http://www.wildsafebc.com/species/black-bears
• Store garbage in a secure building, until collection day.
• Manage attractants: feeders, compost, pet food, outdoor fridges and freezers, coolers.
• Mt. Matheson to Titan Place.
Bear eating chickens.
Solution
How to build a simple electric predator fence:
http://www.bearaware.bc.ca/?q=conflict-prevention/electric-fences
Never approach a bear, even on your property. Do not allow anyone else to approach the bear. Ensure that there are no people, especially children nearby. A frightened black bear will likely look for a tree to climb. A sow with cubs will stay in a tree longer than a single bear. Keep people away from the base of the tree. Be patient and give the bear time to leave.
WildSafeBC Wildlife Alert Reporting Program:
warp.wildsafebc.com
WARP is an interactive mapping program that allows users to track human wildlife encounters throughout their neighbourhood. Learn about the when, where and why animals are coming into urban landscapes.
Debbie Read WildsafeBC – Coordinator CRD Region
