Preventing human-bear conflict: a community responsibility
The Central Okanagan’s rich habitat is an ideal environment for bears. Bears are typically active from March to December and may be searching for non-natural food sources. While human-bear conflict is uncommon, it is important to be alert, aware and know what to do to avoid unnecessary encounters. Please ensure you aren't the reason a bear ends up in your neighborhood.
Bears will consume any food they can find. Garbage is the most reported attractant. Other attractants around the home can include bird feeders, pet food, fruit droppings, smelly barbeques, unattended compost and more.
Bears that access garbage may become injured, cause property damage or become a risk to the community. Relocating garbage-conditioned bears is not an effective solution. If a bear becomes habituated, relocation is only short-term and does nothing to change the root of the problem - human attractants.
Help minimize encounters by keeping your property clear of attractants.
Garbage, recycling and yard waste carts
- Never place your waste collection carts out at the curb the night before your collection. Wait until morning of your collection day only. Ask a neighbor for help with your carts if you are unable to do so.
- Always keep your carts in a secure location, such as a garage or shed, or secure your containers to a structure so they can’t be dragged away.
- Freeze meat and strong smelling food scraps until your garbage pickup day.
- Rinse out recycling material before placing in your cart to eliminate food residue and odours.
- Keep your carts clean between collection days and wash periodically with a bleach solution.
Tips for long driveways
Leave your carts as close as possible to their collection location, usually where your driveway meets the road, and deliver material to the carts on collection day only. Contact your municipality to ensure that the location meets property line setback requirements. A shed may help with storage.
Yard
- Pick fruit as soon as it is ripe and collect fallen fruit from off the ground.
- Feed pets indoors and keep all food bowls inside.
- Clean your BBQ grill after each use.
- Store fridges and freezers inside.
- Avoid using bird feeders during bear season (March to December). Practice responsible backyard composting and maintain an odourless compost pile by:
- using lime (made from ground limestone),
- turning often,
- cutting food into small bits,
- layering greens (vegetable scraps, lawn clippings) with browns (leaves),
- never add meat, fish, fats, oils or grains, and
- always cover food with greens and browns.
Garbage management regulations
The Solid Waste Management Regulation | Bylaw No. 1253 states you must only put out garbage, yard waste and recyclables between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the day of collection.
Residents should also be aware that it is an offence under the BC Wildlife Act section 33.1 to attract dangerous animals (bears, wolves, cougars, and coyotes) with unsecured attractants.
Bear resistant carts: not yet available
Bear resistant carts can help prevent bears from accessing garbage. However, it is still recommended to store these carts in a garage or shed. The Regional District has tested several bear resistant carts. The search for an effective 120-litre bear resistant cart (the standard size of garbage carts in our region) that is both user friendly and durable against bear damage is ongoing.
What to do if you encounter a bear?
For sightings of bears, cougars or coyotes in the community or to report human-wildlife conflicts, residents should contact the BC Conservation Officer Service 24/7 at 1-877-952-7277. Reporting a bear sighting does not mean the bear will be euthanized. Conservation Officers determine best course of action with bears in neighborhoods on a case-by-case basis.
Education and awareness
For more information on reducing human-wildlife conflict visit WildSafeBC. Follow the WildSafebc Central Okanagan Facebook page or contact the local WildSafeBC Community Coordinator at centralok@wildsafebc.com.