Anyone who calls the North Okanagan home appreciates the natural environment around us, but there is a responsibility that goes along with living here.
And specifically, we must realize that we aren’t the only residents of the area. Our neighbours also include the four-legged variety as well as those who are winged.
Presently, reports of bears are starting to increase, with the most common spots being Silver Star and the Bella Vista area.
Conservation officer Tanner Beck isn’t surprised that bears are being spotted more as the evening temperature cools off.
“They need to survive through winter hibernation so they need to build up fat. They are completely food driven right now,” he said.
But this is where the human residents of the North Okanagan can do their part by removing any food sources that may attract bears into yards, where conflicts could occur.
Use bear-proof trash containers or keep garbage secured in the house or shed until pickup day. Pick ripe and fallen fruit daily and remove any unused fruit trees.
Clean the barbecue grill after each use and keep pet food inside.
Another major step is to remove bird feeders as the seed proves highly popular with bears looking to increase calories.
If these steps aren’t taken and bears become a nuisance or a threat, they may have to be destroyed as relocation of garbage-addicted animals is rarely successful.
In the end, we have a responsibility to look after the world around us and that includes ensuring we aren’t negatively impacting wildlife.
