WildSafe BC Sunshine Coast has been on garbage patrol, checking for garbage cans that are put out the night before the scheduled pick-up rather than in the morning. They are checking because bears are attracted to garbage in residential areas and in an effort to curb the bear activity, WildSafe is monitoring the behaviour of residents.
“Bears can become accustomed to this type of junk food. They will make a mental map of all the cans they come across and they will likely be back for more the next time,” said WildSafe’s Marina Stjepovic.
She has been checking different neighbourhoods since May and is encouraged by a recent check of upper and lower Gibsons when she “didn’t find a single can set out. Usually I’ll find half a dozen each time,” she said.
When she finds cans set out the night before pick-up, she places a sticker on the can and records the address. She follows up with the resident to explain the dangers of their behaviour, and she rarely finds repeat offenders.
At this time of year bears are still out and about and are consuming about three times as much as they did during the summer months, Stjepovic said.
“Cubs will learn feeding habits from their mother, and it could be that once they get a food reward in a shed, the next time they might check out a similar looking structure like a house. They may also be drawn to the smells coming from the house, or to an attractant outside, like an outdoor freezer, greasy barbecue or pet food left on the deck. It’s important to make sure all these types of attractants are put away,” Stjepovic said.
