“This time of year, bears are fuelling up for winter. Help keep them from being destroyed for public safety.”
While this message from Conservation Officers about bear attractants is not new, it is not always getting through to members of the public.
This fall, COs are once again dealing with residents leaving out garbage and other attractants in a tempting buffet for bears and their impressionable offspring.
Far too often it leads to danger, damage and unnecessary deaths for both pets and predators.
100 Mile House CO James Zucchelli notes that while there have been lower numbers of bears seen in the residential areas so far this year, it doesn’t mean less caution is needed to keep them out of area neighbourhoods.
“We don’t want to be complacent. For the most part, people are doing their part in keeping the attractants down, but we are still seeing people putting their garbage out the day before [pickup], and there are still crab apple trees that are being left unpicked.”
Zucchelli says he suspects the reduction in bear sightings in backyards and subdivisions has less to do with attractants than this year’s bountiful fields and forests.
“I think it’s just a matter of the plentiful food sources out there – it’s [been] a really productive, rainy, wet summer….
“I almost wish there were a certain number of bears [seen] around just to push people to the point where they say ‘OK we have to clean up’. Just because there are no bears around doesn’t mean we can leave our garbage out.”
Other suggestions to avoid attracting bears include keeping barbecues clean, pet and livestock foods locked up, compost meat-free and basically cleaning up your property of all the “stinky or sweet stuff” bears love to chow down on, he explains.
Zucchelli adds even backyard beehives and chickens need “proactively installed electric fencing” to prevent adding to the bears buffet.
“We have had some conflict with bears and chickens [in past years] and … the key is proper electric fencing that is maintained, and not [installed] after the fact – that’s the problem.”
Once bears have gained entry to your honey or chickens, they will go to great lengths to tear apart subsequent electric fencing, he explains.
The local CO also suggests if you do have fruit trees on your own property, pick it all (before it falls), or get rid of the source.
“If you are not utilizing the fruit, just cut the trees down and replace them with something else. There are multiple varieties of beautiful trees out there [so] you’re not going to be attracting dangerous wildlife to your property.”
Bear sows will pass this learned behaviour on to their cubs, and then COs must destroy the whole family unit, he adds.
Zucchelli reminds everyone to report problem wildlife, poachers or polluters by calling the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
Helpful tips
• Use bear-proof waste containers, or keep garbage secured inside the house, garage or shed except on pickup day.
• Pick ripe and fallen fruit daily, and remove any unused fruit trees.
• Use bird feeders only in winter, and keep the ground clear of seeds and nuts.
• Keep the barbecue grill clean and stored in a secure area.
• Bring pet food dishes inside and store all domestic animal food inside.
• Turn compost regularly, keep it covered and do not add meat products.
• Use electric fencing to protect attractants, such as small livestock, backyard chickens, beehives, compost bins and fruit trees.
• Work with your neighbours and municipal government to create community bear awareness.
More information on keeping your family and the province’s wildlife safe is online at www.wildsafebc.com.
