The District of Squamish will partner with Green For Life Environmental Inc. (GFL) to launch a Bear Tote Pilot Project to put a new bear-resistant tote design to the test.
Totes are being tested in Garibaldi Estates and Downtown Squamish, where bear activity remains high despite residents’ best efforts to use current bear-resistant locking mechanisms.
Tote testers are being encouraged to provide feedback over the next several months on the ease of use and design aspects of the totes, and to document any bear activity or damage.
The pilot project will run for approximately eight months, after which the district will make a decision to expand the testing program.
The District of Squamish Wildlife Office is also ramping up seasonal educational efforts as bears prepare for hibernation and human-bear conflicts typically rise.
Squamish residents are being urged to be extra vigilant in securing all accessible wildlife attractants and consider storing totes indoors when possible.
“We know all too well that the outcome for a human-habituated and non-natural food conditioned bear is one that is tragic, but it’s also preventable if we put greater attention and care into managing our residential wildlife attractants,” said Mayor Karen Elliott.
If your tote or locks have been damaged by wildlife, please contact GFL for a free repair or replacement at 604.892.5604 or squamishtotes@gflenv.com.
To report a neighbourhood wildlife attractant concern, please contact the Bylaw department at 604.815.5067 or bylaw@squamish.ca.
To report a wildlife sighting or encounter, please contact the Conservation Officer Service 24/7 hotline at 1.877.952.7277 or forms.gov.bc.ca/environment/rapp.
