The B.C. Conservation Officer Service and the City of Maple Ridge are advising residents to be bear aware at this time of year.
As bears come out of hibernation, residents should take necessary precautions to ensure both their safety and wildlife protection.
The first day of spring is March 20, and with warmer weather, residents are reminded to manage attractants – garbage, bird feeders, outdoor pet food, and fallen fruit – that could draw bears, raccoons, and other wildlife into residential areas. Securing these items helps reduce the risk of potential safety conflicts.
The city collaborates with the Conservation Officer Service and WildSafeBC to educate residents on bear safety and enforce wildlife attractant regulations. Bylaws staff assist in raising awareness about minimizing risks and preventing conflicts between humans and bears.
"Bears are a natural part of our environment, and it’s important we do our part, so they stay wild,” said Michelle Adams, the city’s director of bylaw, licensing and community safety. “Securing garbage, cleaning up fallen fruit, and removing bird feeders can make a big difference in keeping bears away from homes and reducing unnecessary interactions."
To help keep bears, wildlife, and residents safe, the city recommends:
• Store garbage in wildlife-resistant containers or a secure building. Place garbage carts out no earlier than 5 a.m. and remove by 7 p.m. on collection day.
• Consider taking bird feeders down until winter
• Manage Compost Properly: Use bear-proof composters and avoid adding meat, fish, or cooked food scraps to your compost.
• Freeze smelly garbage until collection day
• After use, thoroughly clean your barbecue to remove food residue and grease
• Feed pets Indoors and do not leave pet food outside
• Secure beehives and livestock with fencing
• Pick ripened fruit from trees and vines immediately
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.
The City's Wildlife and Vector Control Bylaw aims to reduce human/wildlife interactions. Those 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 Michelle Adams, Director of Bylaw, Licensing and Community Safety at 604-467-7370 or bylaws@mapleridge.ca.
