Wednesday, April 23, 2019
Bear Safety Reminders
Official News Release Download
It’s that time of year again – the bears are emerging from hibernation, and we anticipate an increase in bear sightings.
Limiting human contact with bears is very important. Minimizing the bears’ ready access to human food or garbage will help to ensure they do not become “food conditioned” to these sources. It is the bears’ quest for human food that may result in injury or damage to property.
A few tips:
Garbage and Recyclables:
- Do not store garbage/recycling outside unless it is in an approved bear-proof container.
- Only put garbage and recyclables at the curb on the morning of pick-up.
Barbecues
- Burn off and clean up food residue after using the barbeque.
- Remove the grease can and store it indoors when not in use.
- Keep an eye on your food when barbequing and do not leave your food unattended while outside - the smell of food travels a long way!
Pet Food
- Store your pet’s food inside.
Fruit Trees/Berry Bushes
- Harvest fruits as soon as they ripen.
- Remove fallen fruit from the ground daily.
Reporting a bear sighting:
Please report bear sightings to the BC Conservation Officer Service through the Emergency Coordination Centre for Bear Sightings at 1-877-952-7277. When a sighting has been reported, details will be recorded and passed on to the area’s conservation office.
Bear sightings are tracked, so when making a report ensure you include details such as whether the bear is a repeat visitor, or if it is behaving in a way that presents a threat to public safety (approaching a home/going through garbage). In some instances, conservation officers may contact the police for assistance.
Limiting human contact and reporting bear activity will help to keep both the community and the bears safe!
For more Bear Safety Information, please visit the Bear Smart BC Website
Sgt. Judy Bird……………………………………………………….... Phone (604) 864-4899
Abbotsford Police Media Relations Officer………………………[email protected]
2838 Justice Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 3P5 ……….……………...Fax: (604) 859-2527