The Conservation Officer Service (COS) is warning residents to secure their homes and vehicles after a black bear broke into an unlocked vehicle on Bailey Street this morning and found food inside. COS says the incident highlights how easily bears can become food-conditioned, increasing the risk of them entering more vehicles or homes in search of food.
“With summer heat and more windows and doors open, it’s important to stay vigilant,” the COS advised. “Ground-level windows should be closed before leaving home, or blocked so they can’t open more than a few inches. Bears can squeeze through spaces as small as their head.”
Bears are intelligent and have an exceptional sense of smell, allowing them to follow food scents directly into homes, cars, and garages. Once rewarded with food, they are more likely to return, creating a public safety risk.
Tips to Reduce Attractants
The COS and WildSafeBC recommend:
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Keep vehicles locked and free of food, coolers, and wrappers.
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Freeze smelly food scraps and place them in bins only on collection morning.
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Remove bird feeders or hang them at least 10 feet high with a seed catch tray.
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Pick fruit as it ripens and clear fallen fruit.
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Keep barbecues clean and burn off grease for five minutes after use.
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Lock garbage totes except on collection day; never set them out the night before.
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Rinse all recycling before storage.
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Speak with neighbours about managing attractants.
Residents are urged to report all human-wildlife conflicts to the 24-hour Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
For more safety tips, visit WildSafeBC.com.
