FILE PHOTO - This bear stopped for a picnic in Aberdeen after finding some garbage left at an empty lot.
Image Credit: Venkat Geebu
March 27, 2021 - 3:30 PM
The B.C. Wildlife Park is asking residents to be aware as bears wake from hibernation this spring.
"Bears are amazing creatures with a sense of smell that is thought to be seven times greater than a blood hound's. They are seasonal eaters and will move great distances to find food as it becomes available with the changing seasons.
"They will remember year to year where each of these items were found. Because of this, it is imperative we have removed all bear attractants from our yards," according to the wildlife park's Facebook post.
The park asks residents to store garbage indoors and only put out trash on the morning of their garbage collection. Birdfeeders are another bear attractant and the B.C. SPCA has asked residents to remove feeders as a salmonella outbreak linked to feeders is killing pine siskins and other birds in the province.
READ MORE: B.C. SPCA warns salmonella in feeders poisoning birds in southern Interior
Pets and livestock feed should be stored inside and barbeques need to be kept clean with grease traps emptied, according to the park. High attractant areas for bears include fruit trees and bee hives.
A Bear Smart bylaw is in effect between April 1 and Nov. 30 and infractions may result in a $100 fine, according to the City of Kamloops.
When used correctly, electric fencing can be an effective way to deter bears from these enticing food sources reducing conflicts between bears and humans. Between 400-800 bears are killed each year in B.C. and most cases are a result of human and wildlife conflicts, according to WildsafeB.C.
For more information on the use of electric fencing and other conflict prevention ideas, visit Wildsafe B.C.’s website.
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