Numerous bear sightings calls for increased garbage management

A higher than average number of bear sightings have been reported this year, due partly to the extreme wildfire season as well as drought conditions; sending bears searching for food in new areas.

Many complaint calls are coming from neighbourhoods in South East Kelowna to West Kelowna, Lake Country and Peachland.

Waste Reduction Facilitator Rae Stewart says now is the time to be extra careful and manage our behaviour accordingly. “This is the time of year bears amp up their foraging to build fat stores for winter denning. The best advice if you live in an area susceptible to wildlife is - reduce your risk of conflict- take responsibility for your garbage.”

Stewart reminds residents to store garbage securely, and only put your garbage out the day of pickup, not the night before. “Bears in particular, but other animals as well, have a keen sense of smell. The idea is not to attract them to your garbage unnecessarily. If they have access to your waste, not only can they make a real mess, but they can become food conditioned. Then they pose a risk to you and your family and pets, your neighbors, and themselves. And that’s totally preventable.”

The Regional Waste Reduction Office in conjunction with waste contractor E360s is now in its final phase of a bear cart pilot project testing various models of bear resistant garbage carts in select neighbourhoods throughout the region.

As part of the pilot project, WildSafeBC has been working to monitor carts out the night before, along with bear and wildlife activity in general, as well as providing education to residents in the area.

“It’s important for residents to understand that they have a critical role in preventing conflicts with bears and other wildlife, which is through attractant management.” said WildSafeBC Coordinator, Meg Bjordal.

WildsafeBC provides some tips to keeping wildlife and your community safe:

• Secure your garbage – store it in a secure location indoors or a bear-resistant enclosure. Also secure the Yard Waste cart if it contains fruit.

• Only put garbage out for collection on the morning of pickup, not the night before

• Encourage neighbors to do the same, offer to help if needed

• Consider freezing your kitchen waste until the morning of collection day

• Manage your fruit trees, pick ripe & fallen fruit immediately

• Maintain your compost so it doesn’t smell. Add fruit slowly. No meat/dairy.

• Use bird baths and houses to attract birds, instead of bird feeders

Report human-bear conflict to the BC Conservation Office at 1-877-952-7277.