Be Bear Aware

Be Bear Aware

Hope is bear country, with increased activity reported throughout the entire community, we all need to take caution and do our part.

Fruit trees are an especially strong attractant at this time of year. Pick ripe fruit regularly, remove fallen fruit promptly and do not allow windfall to accumulate. With salmon season approaching, residents may also see increased bear activity near local waterways and travel corridors.

Help keep bears wild and our neighbourhoods safe by removing or securing anything that may smell like food:

• Store garbage in a secure garage or shed until the morning of collection, and place carts at the curb only between 4:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Freeze odorous organic waste until collection day.
• Clean barbecues after every use and avoid using outdoor fridges or freezers.
• Feed pets indoors and store pet and livestock feed in a bear-resistant location.
• Remove bird feeders and keep yards free of other wildlife attractants.

Give bears plenty of space, never approach a bear or its cubs, and report bear encounters.