B.C. Conservation Officers say with people spending more time outdoors because of COVID-19, it has led to a slight increase in the number of bear calls.
However, Deputy Chief Chris Doyle says a number of the calls are still a result of people leaving garbage and other attractants out in their neighbourhoods.
“Very disappointing to see that some people aren’t managing their own attractants to prevent conflicts,” he said.
Doyle adds the last thing conservation officers want is to have an conflict anywhere in the province, but especially in a bear’s natural habitat.
“That’s where the bears are and should be and they should be just focusing on natural food and you know, people really need to do their part to prevent those bears from finding human food in those remote areas, whether they be recreation sites or just crown land where people are accessing to camp,” he said.
“We’re definitely seeing a lot of activity in some parts of the province with regards to recreation, and there has been conflicts caused by that. You know, it is really important for people when they are travelling in bear country or they are camping, or even if they are out for the day that they manage their attractants.”
Conservation Officers say there were two bear attacks in the last month in the Lillooet area, as well as other close encounters in Coquitlam, Whistler, and Fort St. John.
Data shows 3,048 calls about black bears in July and 3,068 in June – July numbers were up from the same month last year, while June numbers were down. When it comes to grizzly bears, there were 112 calls in July and 100 in June, both down from last year’s numbers.
Numbers for August were not immediately available.
Don’t Take Photos in Residential Neighbourhoods
Doyle also says if you are thinking about taking photos of bears in a residential neighbourhood, don’t do it.
“Too often we find poor attractant management leading to conflicts in communities, so this is another reminder for everyone to do their part to help prevent wildlife conflict from happening in the first place by securing garbage and other attractants,” he said, noting its also important to not approach or feed these bears.
“Residents should avoid just pulling out a cellphone and taking pictures or a video if they spot a bear just because this can put them at risk, or if they are too close to the bear, the bear may become habituated to the presence of people undertaking this activity.”
Doyle adds officers have been kept busy this year, not just with bears but other calls to the Report a Poacher line for things like illegal hunting, open burning, and off-road vehicle issues.
