‘Don’t have the headphones on’: Safety urged as B.C. bears emerge from hibernation

As the warmer weather approaches, officials are reminding residents in British Columbia to be vigilant and take precautions to secure their garbage bins as bears emerge from their winter hibernation. With an estimated 120,000 to 150,000 black bears in the province, the awakening bears will be more active and on the lookout for food after months of sleep.

Wildlife safety advocates and conservation officers are urging residents to be mindful of their surroundings, especially when venturing into wooded areas. The City of Kamloops is launching a program to provide bear-resistant garbage bins throughout the city, as unsecured bins are a major contributor to human-bear conflicts.

Dan Milokay, a coordinator with WildSafeBC in Maple Ridge, emphasized the importance of being cautious during this time of year. He shared a scenario where a bear smelling garbage may enter a garage, grab food, and return for more, potentially causing damage in the process. However, Milokay noted that the number of bears being killed in Maple Ridge has decreased over the past decade due to increased education and safety initiatives.

To enhance bear awareness, Milokay suggested being attentive to surroundings and listening for cues from nature, such as changes in the calls of animals like crows. These signals can alert individuals to the presence of predators in the area and prompt them to take necessary precautions.

Conservation officer Murray Smith emphasized the significance of minimizing attractants like fruit trees, garbage, and bird seed to prevent unnecessary bear encounters in communities. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service reported a decrease in the number of black bears killed last year, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to coexist with wildlife.

In Kamloops, residents have the option to participate in the bear-resistant garbage bin program for a nominal fee. These bins have been tested to withstand bear attempts to access them, providing a deterrent that allows time for intervention by residents or neighbors. For more information on bear safety tips and how to request a bear-resistant bin, individuals can visit the WildSafeBC website or the City of Kamloops website.

By following these guidelines and utilizing available resources, residents can help minimize human-bear conflicts and promote a safe coexistence with wildlife in their communities.