Wildlife alert issued to protect bear family in Garibaldi Highlands

A wildlife alert has been issued for residents in Garibaldi Highlands to help keep a bear family safe and wild.

Residents in the Garibaldi Highlands are urged to be extra vigilant in securing wildlife attractants, particularly garbage and organics totes, birdfeeders and dog food, to protect the wellbeing of a sow and her cubs.

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“When bears become garbage-conditioned and human habituated their chances of survival decrease significantly, and it’s up to us as a community to ensure there is no access to non-natural food should these bears return, or others fill their place,” says the District of Squamish.

What residents can do:

Store totes in a garage or shed;

If your totes are stored outdoors, anchor them to prevent them from tipping;

Reduce odours by freezing food scraps and store them in your freezer until collection day;

Keep totes locked and secured until the morning of collection;

Place totes curbside only on the morning of collection and never the night before;

Rinse all recycling;

Keep barbecues clean;

Keep pet food inside or ensure it is inaccessible to bears;

Ensure bird feeders are inaccessible to bears;

Avoid seeding with clover and keep your grass cut and free of dandelions.

Once a bear has become food-conditioned and human habituated, there are limited options for its management. Please do your part to prevent this tragic outcome from happening.

If you have a broken or damaged tote please contact GFL for a FREE repair or replacement by calling 604.892.5604 or emailing squamishtotes@gflenv.com.

Report a Wildlife Attractant Bylaw infraction: 604.815.5067.

Please continue to report any wildlife sightings or encounters to the Conservation Officer Service 24/7 Hotline at 1.877.952.7277.