You can help the bears!

Changing a few habits can have a big impact on bear-human conflicts.

In the summer, with the hustle and bustle of the towns in the valley, it can be easy to forget that we are still sharing the same living space as wildlife. When animals are drawn into town, they themselves are often seen as the problem, when in fact it’s the actions of humans that attract the animals to begin with. Whether you live here full-time, or only visit for summer vacation, it’s crucial to follow some steps in order to avoid bear-human conflicts.

There is a great website packed with information — http://bearaware.bc.ca. It’s got loads of tips for visitors and residents in bear country in B.C. They also offer community programs to help spread the word.

It should be no surprise about what attracts bears: food. Whether it’s garbage, compost, or BBQ grease, here are some things you can, and should, do in order to deter bear activity in your area:

Garbage

• Use a bear-resistant container for garbage, or store indoors, if possible, until the morning of garbage pick-up day.
• Freeze particularly stinky garbage.
• Clean your garbage bins regularly.

Compost

Composting is a great way not only to reduce garbage going to the landfill, but also to reduce garbage that might attract bears.

• Use stuff like fruit and vegetable kitchen scraps, grass clippings, branches, leaves, and washed egg shells.
• Don’t use meat or dairy products, grease or cooked food.
• Make layers of greens and browns.
• Layer some branches on the bottom so oxygen can get to the material. Turn regularly.

Fruit trees/bushes

• Pick fruit as it ripens — don’t allow it to fall from the tree and accumulate on the ground, regardless of whether you plan to eat the fruit or not.

Bird feeders

• Bears hibernate in the winter, and food is scarce for birds, so feeders are safe during the cold months.

Barbecues

• Burn off the entire grill after every use.
• Wash out the grease trap after every use.
• Store barbecues inside your garage, or cover them.

Conflict and confrontation between humans and bears can be substantially decreased if we all do our part. Please be smart and responsible, for the sake of our bears.