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Bear problems begin within Clearwater area

Outdoor freezers (in addition to the usual culprits – garbage and pet food) are playing a prominent role
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A large brown bear climbs up on a picnic table to get at a wasps’ nest near a Candle Creek residence

It may be relatively early in the season, but there have already been several reports and problem areas within Clearwater, and all have been attributed to improperly stored garbage or food.

WarrenChayerAccording to Conservation Officer Warren Chayer, outdoor freezers (in addition to the usual culprits – garbage and pet food) are playing a prominent role in attracting bears into the community this year.

"It's an easy fix in these cases to keep bears away. Get a friend or neighbour to help you move the freezer inside, or just get rid of that freezer if you don't need it," he said.

Emily Lomas, WildSafeBC coordinator for the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, says that items in your yard may still attract bears, even if they are not currently being used.

"Bears have a very keen sense of smell, and will easily sniff out a barbeque with last year's grease still in it, or an old freezer containing old food remains. An unplugged freezer used for food storage is an even easier target," the WildSafeBC coordinator said.

Lomas cautions that simple locks or straps placed on freezers or bins will not necessarily stop a persistent and hungry bear. Lomas offers house visits for residents who are interested in creating a more bear-resistant yard, and can provide advice on bear-resistant bins and alternative options for managing food and waste around the home.

There have been various wildlife encounters throughout the TNRD so far this year, including wolves, cougars, coyotes, and deer. According to Chayer, however, reports for other animals in Clearwater have been low, with bears being the current number one issue. Here are some additional tips to keep your community safe:

Store garbage in a location inaccessible to wildlife, such as your home, garage, or shed. You can also use a bear-resistant garbage can.

Reduce the time that your garbage is available to bears by waiting until the morning of collection day to place the bin out for pickup, or take the bag immediately to a refuse station.

Reduce the odor and attractiveness of garbage and compost to bears by freezing smelly waste beforehand, or mixing compost regularly or treating it with lime.

Remember to keep your barbeque clean, and to feed your pets indoors.

For more tips and information, visit www.wildsafebc.com, follow WildSafeBC TNRD on Facebook, or contact local coordinator Emily Lomas, at 250-828-2551 or tnrd@wildsafebc.com.

Please report sightings or conflicts with wildlife to the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277. Check out sightings and sign up for alerts through WildSafeBC's Wildlife Alert Reporting Program (WARP) at www.wildsafebc.com/WARP. WildSafeBC is sponsored by the TNRD and the Ministry of Environment.