Spring weather has come to the North Island. The bears won't be far behind.
"We are approaching that time of year again where our coastal black bears will be coming out of hibernation," said Tanner Beck, the region's Conservation Officer. "The Conservation Officer Service (COS) encourages all B.C. residents to think strongly about bear attractant management."
Attractants to hungry bears emerging from hibernation can include garbage, fruit trees, compost, barbecues and bird feeders.
"B.C. is bear country; please think about how you can prevent conflicts and protect your bears this upcoming season. Together we can prevent human/wildlife conflict," Beck said.
He urged residents to report all bear conflicts and urban sightings as timely as possible to the COS at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277). This will allow officers to deal with the situation as early as possible with education, awareness and enforcement to prevent short- and long-term conflict.
For more information on making your property bear attractant free please visit www.bearaware.bc.ca