As people and wildlife, such as bears, continue to share space throughout Chase, it is important to learn how to reduce the risk of human-bear conflict. Mismanaged garbage is one of the main reasons that bears will enter neighbourhoods. It is normal for bears to travel through our community to access natural food sources or relocate to their natural home range. However, when bears begin to utilize human-provided food sources in a community, it creates the potential for human-bear conflict.

By addressing the source of human-bear conflicts, the risks to human safety, damage to private property and the number of bears destroyed can be minimized. Improperly managed and unsecured garbage is an easily accessible food source. Removing access to these attractants is key to preventing human-bear conflicts. Mismanaged bear attractants around our homes can unintentionally attract bears to our neighbourhoods as they attempt to locate food sources. Bears have a powerful sense of smell that can pick up a scent from kilometres away.

You can help keep our community and local bear populations safe by:

  • Keeping pet food and containers indoors.
  • Keeping your barbecue clean.
  • Removing bird feeders from May to November and cleaning up any spilled bird seed.
  • Picking fruit from trees as soon as it ripens and consider removing any unwanted fruit trees.
  • Managing back yard composters properly and not composting animal products, such as meats, greases and dairy.

Properly manage garbage and recycling by following the Village’s Solid Waste and Recyclables Bylaw, which states that:

  • Solid waste and recycling containers must be readily accessible for emptying between the hours of 7:00 am and 4:00 pm on the day of collection.
  • Solid waste and recycling containers must be removed from the collection area by 7:00 pm on the day of collection and stored on private property in a safe manner.

If you face barriers to storing your solid waste carts in a wildlife-proof enclosure, consider:

  • Storing meat and strong-smelling food scraps in the freezer or in an airtight container and transfer them to your cart on collection day.
  • Use a flat hook tie-down strap to secure the cart lid down and secure the cart to a stationary object.
  • Ensure carts are stored with lids closed at all times.

Feeding bears, even unintentionally, is also against the law in BC, under the British Columbia Wildlife Act.

Report all bear sightings and human-wildlife interactions to the BC Conservation Officer Service by calling 1-877-952-7277.

For more information about the British Columbia Bear Smart program, please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/human-wildlife-conflict/staying-safe-around-wildlife/bears/bear-smart