Thompson Nicola Regional District
The Bear Aware program and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District would like to remind everyone to ensure their community stays free of bear attractants this month as bears make final preparations for hibernation. Bears aim to gain two to five pounds per day during this period, so they are on the lookout for any easy meals.
Surveys conducted in the last two weeks revealed that garbage bins, barbecues, and yard waste are the top three bear attractants in many neighbourhoods. Compost, bird seed, and outdoor fridges make up the rest of the items noted in the surveys.
Bears have recently been sighted throughout the TNRD and reports indicate that garbage left outside was the attractant in most cases. Help your neighbourhood be Bear Aware this year and next by following these simple steps:
• Store garbage inside or in a bear-proof container until disposal. Do not put garbage outside the night before pick-up.
• Do not place bird feeders outside until Dec. 1.
• Keep barbecues clean and free of residual food and grease.
• Feed pets inside and store pet food indoors.
• Mix compost regularly or treat with lime to reduce odour.
• Pick any remaining fruit and share with friends if you have too much to handle.
The Bear Aware program would also like to extend a warm welcome to two new enthusiastic volunteers in Clearwater.
To view bear sightings in your area, check out the new Bear Aware interactive online map at www.bearaware.bc.ca that locates bears and identifies attractants. For more on bears sightings, go to www.facebook.com/BearAwareBC.
The Bear Aware program is sponsored by the TNRD and the Ministry of Environment.
Please report sightings or conflicts with bears to the Conservation Officer Service’s RAPP hotline at 1.877.952.7277.
For more information, or if you would like to volunteer, contact: Emily Lomas, TNRD Bear Aware community co-ordinator, at 250.319.6265 or at tnrd@bearaware.bc.ca