Local conservation officers say they still receive plenty of bear complaints.

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ARMSTRONG - A young bear has been euthanized and an Armstrong resident fined $230 for having unsecured garbage on their property that led to repeat visits by the bear.

The bear was put down on May 24 within the Highland Park Drive area of Armstrong, according to a City of Armstrong media release. Two other residents also received violation orders to clean up garbage.

B.C. Conservation Officer Service conservation officer Tanner Beck told iNFOnews.ca the fine was handed out when the residents failed to secure their garbage after a prior warning.

Beck estimated the bear was two years old and this season was its first living independently.

He said the department regularly issues violation orders every year.

"It's a common issue, people leave their garbage out all the time," Beck said. "Some people don't get the message."

According to the City of Armstrong, there have been 160 calls to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service in the last three years regarding bear complaints in the city. So far this year the Conservation Service have received 26 calls from Armstrong.

Beck said it's very important for residents to secure their garbage either in a bear-proof bin or in a garage or secure area, and for residents to only put their garbage out in the morning of collection.

Other steps residents should take are:

• Don't leave pet food outside unattended and bring the food dish inside after feedings.
• Covering compost with a light cover of lime, dirt or a heavy cover of grass clippings to assist with odours, and if bears still persist after measures have been taken to remove compost bins.
• Use bird feeders only in the winter when bears are hibernating.
• Clean or burn off any leftover food residue after barbequing.

To report a bear incident contact the B.C. Conservation Officer Service 24 hour hotline 1-877-952-7277.

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