WildsafeBC is reporting bear encounters are on the rise in the Elk Valley.
Elk Valley Community Coordinator Kathy Murray says there have been multiple sightings of mother bears and cubs wandering through communities in the past few weeks.
She says part of the reason for increasing encounters is a recent population boom for the bears combined with a drop in berry crops, luring them closer to neighborhoods.
“If we add to that this summer, you know with the hot and the heat and the dry weather and the berry crops drying up early, that drove that high population of bears into our communities,” Murray says. “A lot of sightings of a sow and two cubs right in the middle of the day in city parks.”
Murray says you should get yourself somewhere safe and make loud noises to try and scare it away if you encounter a bear on your property.
“Once the bears moved on and it’s safe, take a look around your yard and see is there anything that’s attracted the bear there. You may have forgotten garbage out, you may have pet food out or a bird feeder,” she says. “And also, talk to your neighbours. Everyone has to work together.”
WildsafeBC reminds you to remove attractants from your yard including garbage, pet litter and fruits and berries to discourage bears and other wildlife from approaching your home.
You can report a bear sighting via the Conservation Officer Hotline: 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).
– Kathy Murray, Elk Valley Community Coordinator
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