Active outdoor enthusiasts will be getting out of the house more often now that the spring season is upon, but that also means bears and other wild animals will be coming out of winter hibernation.
As the chance of human-wildlife interactions increases, the government of B.C. recommends citizens do their part to reduce the chances of coming into contact with other animals. The most effective and natural way to prevent conflicts with wildlife in urban areas is to put away garbage, birdseed, compost, pet food, and fruit fallen off of trees..
Bears coming out of hibernation will be hungry and looking for food anywhere they can manage, including backyards. Whether it’s a dirty barbecue or food scraps in composts, bears only need to locate food once to develop a feeding pattern of returning to an area.
Other animals, such as young cougars, roam widely in search of unoccupied territory, increasing their chances of wandering into residential communities, parks, and campgrounds. Coyote pups are born in the spring and by July, they will be attempting to hunt on their own.
For advice on reducing conflicts with wildlife, visit the WildSafeBC website.
The public should report all human-wildlife conflicts that threaten public safety or result in significant property damage by calling the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line, toll-free at 1-877-952-7277 or visit the RAPP website.
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