(Image Credit: WildSafeBC Kamloops/)

By Elora McCormack

Bear Smart

Kamloops encouraging residents to be Bear Smart

Apr 2, 2026 | 4:02 PM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops is encouraging residents to clear their properties of food that could attract wildlife, helping to reduce human-bear conflict.

“Unmanaged attractants can draw hungry bears into neighbourhoods as they emerge from hibernation,” said Danielle Sparks, the City’s Environmental Services Supervisor.

“The mismanagement of wildlife attractants leads to the needless destruction of bears. The goal of the City’s Bear Smart program is to encourage practices that help keep bears and people safe.”

Kamloops officials said being bear safe can include several steps, such as:

• Managing garbage and food waste, and storing meat and strong-smelling food scraps in a freezer or airtight container until collection day, if possible.
• Keeping pet food indoors.
• Keeping barbecues clean.
• Picking ripe fruit from any trees and cleaning up fallen fruit.
• Removing bird feeders between May and November and cleaning up any spilled seeds.
• Managing backyard compost. Refrain from composting animal products, such at meat and dairy.

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Sparks said taking these steps to remove wildlife attractants could potentially save a bear’s life.

“When bears come into a neighbourhood and get that food reward, it’s called food conditioning, and it’s a process that bears cannot unlearn,” said Sparks.

“They will continually be coming into our our community and at that point, they are not eligible for relocation or rehabilitation. That unfortunately leads to that bear needing to be removed from the population.”

The City of Kamloops has bear-resistant carts available on an as-requested basis for garbage and organics for an additional $20 per cart per year.

“Under the Solid Waste, Recyclables, and Organics Bylaw, residents must ensure that solid waste carts are stored securely and made inaccessible to wildlife—either by storing them in an enclosed structure, like a garage or shed, or by using a bear-resistant cart,” said City officials.

“Bylaw infractions may result in a $100 fine.”

The City is also encouraging residents to take the Bear Smart Champion pledge to support Kamloops being a Bear Smart community.

“The Bear Smart Champion recognition program runs from April 1 to November 30, in alignment with Bear Smart season and Solid Waste, Recyclables, and Organics Bylaw regulations,” said the City.

“Take the pledge to show your commitment to maintaining a safe, bear-friendly community. Participants will receive a Bear Smart Champion sticker and be entered in a draw to win a Yeti cooler.”