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Help everyone to become Bear Aware

There has been an increase in bear sightings around town and most have involved bears looking for easy snacks

Thompson-Nicola Regional District

The Bear Aware program and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District remind everyone to ensure their neighbourhoods stay free of bear attractants this fall so bears and people can stay safe.

Recently, there has been an increase in bear sightings around town and most have involved bears looking for easy snacks in the form of garbage and unpicked fruit. As the bears try to pack on the pounds before hibernation, they are often rewarded for visits into town with high-calorie treats such as garbage, fruit, bird feed and compost.

Once a bear learns to equate homes with easy meals it becomes very difficult to keep it away from towns, campgrounds, or neighbourhoods where it has previously found food.

Please help your neighbourhood be Bear Aware this fall by following these simple steps:

• Store garbage inside or in a bear-proof container until disposal. Do not put garbage outside the night before pick-up.

• Pick fruit and berries from trees and shrubs. If you have more fruit than you can handle, ask your friends and neighbours if they’d like to pick some for themselves and share.

• Feed pets inside and store pet food indoors.

• Use bird feeders only during winter months.

• Mix compost regularly or treat with lime to reduce odour.

• Keep barbecues clean and free of residual food and grease.

 

The Bear Aware program is sponsored by the TNRD and the Ministry of Environment.