RDCO urging residents to be careful with their trash after multiple bear sightings

Bears are waking up from their long winter naps and the Regional District of Central Okanagan is reminding residents to do their part to keep their neighbourhood safe.

That means managing this around your property that could attract wildlife, especially your household garbage.

So far in September, there have been multiple bear sightings in several neighbours in West Kelowna, Peachland and beyond.

“This is the time of year bears amp up their foraging to build fat stores for winter denning," said waste reduction facilitator, Rae Stewart.

"The best advice if you live in an area susceptible to wildlife is - reduce your risk of conflict- take responsibility for your trash.”

Residents are encouraged to keep their garbage and recycling carts inside a shed or garage if possible and only put them out for pickup on the morning of, not the night before.

Here’s a number of tips from Wildsafe BC to keep wildlife wild and help prevent conflict:

• Only put garbage out for collection on the morning of pickup, not the night before
• Encourage neighbours to do the same, offer to help if they are not able to put garbage out at appropriate times
• Secure your garbage on non- collection days- store it securely in your home or in a garage or shed
• Consider freezing your kitchen scraps until the morning of collection day
• Keep your barbeque clean and covered
• Pick ripe or fallen fruit immediately; if composting, or putting in yard waste cart, ensure they are secured from wildlife access
• Use birdbaths to attract birds, rather than bird feeders