Bear reports in Kamloops have gone up significantly this year, and it’s expected to be a continued issue going forward.
WildSafeBC program manager Vanessa Isnardy says there were 516 bear reports in the first 10 months of the year, which is more than double the five-year average.
“Garbage continues to be the most reported attractant, however we also know that fruit trees are a gateway food. Bears often forge on food that become available in late summer, and at the same time they enter a stage called hyperphagia. During this time of year, bears are preparing for winter denning so they’re incredibly food motivated, and consuming more than 20,000 calories a day,” she says.
“Also climate change, especially this year, has been very noticeable. It impacts natural food availability. When food ability goes down, that leads to increased conflicts. Because bears and other wildlife will come into the community, which acts as a bit of an oasis. Because we have lush lawns, lots of tree cover, great habitat for animals.”
Isnardy says the risk is bears becoming habituated to feeding off garbage and having to be euthanized.
She is recommending the city review its solid waste bylaw, to help prevent bears from getting into people’s garbage and compost.