Hot September weather means earlier bear sightings
Ripe berries, apples and other fruit bring bruins into backyards throughout the Tri-Cities area
B.C. conservation officers are reporting an increased number of bear sightings in the Tri-Cities area because fruit has ripened earlier this year due to the hot weather.
Sgt. Todd Hunter of the B.C. Conservation Service says they typically don’t see a lot of black bears in that area of Metro Vancouver until October. However, because of the berries, apples and other fruit lying on the ground, bears are venturing into backyards to forage.
He didn’t have a number for the increased sightings, but said calls have “definitely spiked” over the past week. Hunter said he’s also concerned the number of bear sightings is because people continue to leave their garbage bins unsecured.
Fruit trees in backyards can be as much of a problem as garbage at this time of year, said Drake Stevens, Coquitlam’s urban wildlife co-ordinator. Bears need to eat about 20,000 calories a day and they eat 20 hours out of every 24 at this time of year.
The drought conditions have dried up some of the creeks on nearby mountains, which could drive bears down closer to urban areas, Stevens said. Also, the berry harvest finished earlier than normal and grass — which bears supplement their diet with — is very dry.
“Luckily we’re getting some rain, which will allow the salmon to come up the streams in later fall,” Stevens said. “If we continued to see drought conditions, that could have also affected the bears.”
If people spot a bear in their backyard, the best strategy is just to wait until the bear leaves and then clean up any ripe fruit left.
“If there is no reward, they won’t come,” Stevens said. “Pick ripe fruit and any fallen fruit as soon as possible. They will keep returning until it’s cleaned up.”
People can try to startle or scare away a bear by flashing lights or making lots of loud noises, but it may not work if the bear is already used to humans and their food.
Stevens also suggests keeping garbage locked in the garage and said waste from meat can be stored in the freezer until garbage day to avoid odours.
If a bear is being aggressive or is seen near a school or an area near children, people should call the conservation office, Stevens said. The Conservation Officer Service can be reached at 1-877952-7277.
Pick ripe fruit and any fallen fruit as soon as possible. They will keep returning until it’s cleaned up.
DRAKE STEVENS
URBAN WILDLIFE COORDINATOR