Province warns of dangers ahead as bear season looms

Aug 27 2016, 4:14 am

The province has issued a list of recommendation as the height of bear season looms in BC.

This time of year, says the province, bears are out searching for available food sources to “fuel up” before hibernating through the winter months.

Already, there have been several instances of bear and human interactions gone wrong, including a bear that charged at a man in North Vancouver, and a woman who was attacked in Maple Ridge. Another man had a near miss with a bear in North Vancouver and caught the whole thing on video.

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To keep bears from wandering into urban areas (and destroying not one, but two Lexuses in the process), the BC government is urging people to take the following precautions:

  • Use bear-proof trash containers or keep garbage in the house or the garage until pickup day.
  • Only use bird feeders in the winter.
  • If you have fruit trees, pick the ripe and fallen fruit daily.
  • Clean the barbecue after each use and store it in a secure area.
  • Bring pet food and dishes indoors.
  • Don’t put meat products or uncooked food into the compost, and turn it regularly and keep it covered.
  • Protect livestock, chickens, beehives, compost bins, and fruit trees with electric fencing.
  • If you see a bear, do not approach it, and keep calm. Bring children and pets indoors if possible.
  • Once the bear has left, check your yard for bear attractants.

They also list out several camping and hiking guidelines for bear safety, which can be found here.

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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