The Central Okanagan has seen a surge in bear conflict reports this season.
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August 29, 2021 - 10:31 AM
After two bears were seen in Kamloops, the RCMP is warning residents to keep their distance and garbage bins off the street.
The police had reported sightings of bears in the 500 block Columbia St West and Hillside Drive areas last night, Aug. 28, according to a news release issued by the RCMP.
"Police would like to remind the public to keep their distance, ensure that they clear their property of any rotting fruit and to refrain from putting out their garbage cans prior to 4 a.m. on their pick up day, in accordance with Kamloops by-law," according to the RCMP.
Meg Bjordal, WildSafeB.C. Central Okanagan coordinator, said in a previous interview with iNFOnews, that bear activity has increased and is about three weeks early this year.
READ MORE: Fall bear encounters arrive three weeks early thanks to Interior drought
A typical increase in bear foraging usually happens in September, she said. Around this time, bears are increasing their calorie intake to prepare for winter hibernation and with less food available at higher elevations, more are typically seen around cities.
She believes drought conditions are a main factor as well as wildfires in the area as bears will move to adjacent habitats and may pass through communities, she said.
Bjordal is also reminding residents to keep garbage cans secured. Now is not the time to be putting up bird feeders she's also asking residents to clean up ripe fruit from around fruit trees.
Wildlife conflicts can be reported to conservation officers by calling 1-877-952-7277.
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