‘Bear Smart’ in the valley

Spring is definitely here and the Ministry of Environment is reminding us that the bears are leaving their dens in search of the nearest food source. And if they smell the aroma of foodstuffs left behind by careless humans, what will they do? Why, they will pay us a visit, of course.

Last year, the BC Conservation Officer Service received 23,240 reports of bear sightings (between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011). During that time, conservation officers attended 2,827 incidents in which bears were acting aggressively or public safety was an issue. As a result, 120 bears were relocated, while 675 bears were killed.

Though there has been a downward trend over the last 15 years in the number of problem bears killed, last year’s number was higher because of poor availability of natural foods, which meant bears were searching out other, non-natural food sources.

Both bears and humans would be better off if the bears stayed out of our communities. They are pests at the least and potentially dangerous if we should happen to encounter one. They don’t enter our communities with the intent to attack us but they do come when they know there is food. And since we people never seem to learn to pick up the fruit that is lying on the ground, or place our garbage in containers the bears can’t get into and clean the remains of last night’s dinner off the barbecue, they know our yards are the best restaurants in town. They can smell a good dinner a mile away!

Many bears are just passing through town in search of food and will not return if there is none. Because they are creatures of habit, they will remember that the larder was bare in that place. But if they find food, you can be sure they will return –- again, and again, and again. It’s too late by then and that‘s when bears get killed.

If you see a bear in your neighbourhood, keep in mind that your personal safety is much more important than chasing the bear away. Don’t stop to yell or wave your hands about. Just calmly go indoors, warn your neighbours and call a conservation officer. The number is 1-877-952-7277.

You can find out more about bear-proofing your yard and your community at http://www.bearaware.bc.ca/ .

The most effective and natural way to prevent conflicts with bears in urban areas is to put away food attractants such as garbage, bird seed, compost and fruit. In communities where attractants are managed properly, there has been a decline in related bear-human conflict and the number of bears that have to be destroyed.

“We know from experience in Bear Smart communities and with those working towards Bear Smart status that proper attractant management significantly reduces human-bear conflict. This not only improves public safety, but also provides officers in these communities with more options in dealing with conflict bears. The Conservation Officer Service wants to stress the importance of public safety by preventing encounters with bears that are easily avoided by attractant awareness. Being Bear Aware is all about the public’s safety.” — Edward Illi, chief conservation officer