Normally August can be a quiet time in regards to human-bear conflict calls; mating season is finished and the berry crops are plentiful. However, this season’s heat and drought conditions could reduce the length of berry crop availability. The loss of a bear’s natural food item, combined with the lure of non-natural (human-sourced) foods, may lead to a month that is busier than usual.
As you are out berry picking, keep in mind that bears are also foraging. Be sure to make noise (to alert the bear of your presence) and to leave some berries for the next visitor. If you encounter a bear, remain calm, hands out to side, speak in calm voice, “Hey bear, I’m leaving now,” and back away slowly. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
The upcoming months will require particular attention to proactive measures. Bears are opportunistic omnivores in a continual search for food. A bear assesses the risk versus reward. If the food reward outweighs the risk, the bear is going to try to access it. Once they have obtained a food reward, it is burned into their memory and they will keep returning for more. The way to break this pattern is by eliminating human-sourced food rewards, especially garbage. Certified bear-resistant units have been routinely tested on captive bears and have to consistently withstand 60 minutes without the bear being able to access the foods inside the unit. No food reward equals no return visit from that bear.
Other tips on how to reduce human-bear conflict around your property include:
Keep garbage secured or inside until morning of pickup day; use a certified bear-resistant unit (sunshine [email protected] for details).
Do not put out birdfeeders until winter.
Pick all fruit and nut trees (including windfall), and berry bushes.
Use electric fencing to protect your bees, chickens, livestock and crops.
Avoid putting dairy or meat into your compost and aerate regularly.
Rinse and make sure all recycling is clean.
Keep in mind that diapers, petroleum based products, and pop/beer cans are also bear attractants.
Keep barbecues clean, burn off any residue.
Feed pets indoors.
Avoid the use of stocked outdoor fridges and freezers.
Want to win a certified bear-resistant container? We have a giveaway for a TyeDee Bin cub unit! Just visit and like the Facebook page at wildsafebc/
sunshinecoast and leave a comment under the TyeDee Bin thread. The draw date is Sept. 12, just in time for fall. Good luck!
To learn more about wildlife, please visit www.wildsafebc.com.
To report human-wildlife conflict, please call 1-877-952-7277.
