City of Fernie reminding residents about increased wildlife attractant fines as bears roam community

The City of Fernie wants you to bear some safety tips in mind to reduce conflict with wildlife.

Fernie city staff are reminding residents that fines for keeping wildlife attractants on your property have increased.

Anyone caught accumulating, placing, storing or collecting wildlife attractants around your home can be fined $250 dollars for a first offence, then $500 for any future offence.

Also, if you have placed your garbage or recycling cart improperly and it gets damaged by bears, you are responsible for any required replacement or repair costs.

Residents are advised to pick ripe fruit, collect any fallen fruit and manage attractants like barbecues, pet food and bird feeders so they don’t tempt bears to hang around homes.