(File photo: CFJC Today).

By Stephanie Swensrude

BEAR SAFETY

WildSafeBC reminds residents of bear safety

May 24, 2022 | 4:36 PM

KAMLOOPS — Each year, the people of Kamloops, as residents of wildlife country, have to deal with wild animals entering residential areas. WildSafeBC has heard reports of bears in Valleyview, Sahali and other Kamloops neighbourhoods.

“We’re well into bear season right now,” said Vanessa Isnardy, program manager of WildSafeBC.

“A lot of bears have emerged from their dens, and they’re coming into valley bottoms seeking out lush, fresh grasses and sedges, things that are protein rich.”

“But they’re also entering into communities. Bears that were aware of garbage last year, maybe had access to some last year, are sort of coming into conflict again this season,” said Isnardy.

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Allan Michener is with environmental services at the City of Kamloops. He says the City wants to remind residents of what they can do to avoid attracting bears.

“When it comes to bears the biggest thing is keep food sources out of their reach — predominantly garbage,” said Michener.

City bylaws state that, between April 1 and Nov. 30, residents must wait until 4:00 a.m. on collection day to place their garbage bin on the curb.

But garbage isn’t the only thing to manage when looking to keep the bears away, according to Montana Clarke, WildSafeBC’s community coordinator for Kamloops.

“Bird feeders are an attractant for bears, as they’re a calorically dense food source. Just [make] sure you’re responsible, hanging it up high so that it’s not accessible to bears,” said Clarke.

“And if there is fallen seed, just picking it up so that it’s not an attractant for other animals such as rats as well”.

Michener also mentioned fruit trees and gardens, advising residents to pick up produce as it ripens and falls. Pet feed from dogs and cats as well as backyard chickens can also attract bears.

Isnardy gave some tips for what to do if you see a bear getting into garbage.

“From a safe distance, you can clap your hands, speak loudly and firmly at that bear — but it’s not likely to leave that food source,” she said.

“Wait until it moves on then make sure to secure that attractant and be safe.”

Residents can also report the bear to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.