The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is warning Britannia Beach and Furry Creek residents to properly secure waste bins amid a rise in bear activity linked to improperly stored garbage and organics.
According to the SLRD, wildlife attractants like unsecured garbage, recycling, and compost totes are drawing bears into residential areas, posing safety risks to humans and animals. The district emphasized that such practices violate its Wildlife Attractant Bylaw, which aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Under the bylaw, waste bins must be stored indoors or in wildlife-resistant containers and enclosures. Totes on collection days may only be placed at the curb between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.. Violators may face fines for leaving bins out at unauthorized times.
The SLRD advises residents to freeze smelly waste until pickup, keep totes locked, and secure bins to immovable objects if stored outside to reduce attractants. The regional district warns that even small amounts of garbage left in vehicles can lure wildlife. Residents can report bylaw violations to bylawenforcement@slrd.bc.ca, and wildlife conflicts to the R.A.P.P. hotline at 1-877-952-7277 or rapp.bc.ca.
