With the cooling temperatures and the approach of fall, the City of Maple Ridge and local environmental groups are reminding the public to remain bear aware.
Bears are preparing for hibernation at this time of the year, said the city, and residents should be using caution and practice bear-safe habits by reducing attractants and minimizing human-bear interactions.
"Bears are currently in hyperphagia, where they consume extra calories to store fat for the winter. This can bring them closer to homes in search of food sources, such as garbage, fruit trees, bird feeders, and pet food," the city warned.
Ross Davies with the Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society said the number one attractant is household garbage.
"Other than the obvious advice about not setting trash out the night before pickup, the two best defences are a deep freeze and a bear resistant bin," he advised.
A bear will not go after smelly foods that have been frozen. However, said Davies, the freezer needs to be indoors. Inside a garage is often not enough, especially if a bear has been conditions to human food and has found success in garages before.
A garage door is no match for a bear, he said.
Bear resistant bins are an excellent choice for curbside pickup, especially if whatever is inside it is frozen.
However, Davies said, these bins are bear resistant, not bear proof.
"If they are used to store garbage, if given enough time a bear could open it," he noted.
BC Parks noted that when food is plentiful for a bear they can gain two to three pounds a day. Their advice includes:
• give bears and all wildlife lots of space;
• hike in groups and make noise;
• stay alert on trails and leave your ear buds at home;
• carry and know how to use bear spray;
• keep attractants like food, garbage, and anything with a scent, stored securely.
The city is asking residents to:
• secure your garbage by storing garbage in wildlife-resistant containers or a secure building and place garbage carts out no earlier than 5 a.m. and remove by 7 p.m. on collection day;
• remove bird feeders until the winter;
• manage compost properly by using bear-proof composters and avoid adding meat, fish, or cooked food scraps to the compost;
• freeze smelly garbage until collection day;
• thoroughly clean barbecues after each use to remove food residue and grease;
• feed pets indoors, do not leave pet food outside;
• secure beehives, chicken coops, and livestock with fencing;
• and pick ripened fruit from trees and vines immediately.
"By taking these steps to secure attractants, we can protect both the bears and our community,” said Michelle Adams, the city’s director of bylaw, licensing and community safety.
“Let's all do our part to avoid unnecessary interactions with wildlife and help keep these animals safe in their natural habitats," she said.
Residents are advised to report wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP). If you encounter a bear, remain calm, back away slowly, and avoid running. Always give the animal plenty of space to leave the area, said Adams.
The City collaborates with the Conservation Officer Service and WildSafeBC to provide education and enforce regulations on wildlife attractants.
The Wildlife and Vector Control Bylaw aims to reduce human/wildlife interactions and ensure wildlife protection and public safety. Those found contravening this bylaw can be issued daily fines ranging from $100 to $500.
For more information on bear safety and to access additional resources, visit mapleridge.ca/bears or contact bylaws@mapleridge.ca.
