Residents in and around the village are being asked to monitor and reduce any and all attractants after several postings on social media of bear sightings in the area.
Residents reported either seeing bears around their homes, witnessing bears get into their garbage, or finding the aftermath of that occurrence.
When something like this happens, conservation officers first offer public education as a way to manage the attractant.
“Bears are really driven by their stomachs, so if they can access any type of food they’re going to go for it,” said Sgt. Cynthia Mann of the West Kootenay conservation office. “We ask people not to have bird feeders out in the summer. Put them out in the winter, because that’s when the birds need them.”
Other suggestions for managing attractants include freezing garbage before putting it out on garbage day or taking it to the dump to alleviate the smell, and storing things like dog food, chicken or livestock feed in a sealed container in a shed or some place with limited access.
Conservation officers do have the ability to issue a dangerous wildlife protection order. If this order is given, a person has a designated period of time to clean up and remove all garbage and attractants. It’s not a ticket, but it is an order, and failing to follow this order could result in a fine, depending on the situation.
If conservation officers were to issue a ticket for attracting dangerous wildlife onto a person’s land, that resident would be fined $230.
Natural food sources for bears this time of year include roots, tubers, in-ground grubs, and ants, along with grass and some green vegetation. However, because bears are driven by their stomachs and if they have access to an easy food source they will go for it.
If a bear’s behaviour changes and becomes aggressive, residents are urged to contact the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 on the TELUS Mobility Network right away. Conservation officers need that information so they know how to respond accordingly.
Demonstrated aggressive behaviour in bears often includes property damage, chicken attacks, and siding damage on houses.
If a bear is on a resident’s property, it should be given space. It might take a while, but it has the option to eventually move on. It’s not a good idea to challenge a wild animal. If that animal has offspring it will get defensive and will show aggression because it’s trying to defend its young ones.
“The number one thing we’re concerned with is public safety, so when we feel a bear is displaying behaviour that is a risk to public safety, we need to take action with that bear,” Sgt. Mann concluded.