Maplewood Flats trail system in North Vancouver temporarily closed as black bears feed for hibernation

The Story

The Wild Bird Trust of BC has temporarily closed the trail system at Maplewood Flats in North Vancouver to give black bears time to better prepare for hibernation, as the site has seen unusually high bear activity.

The trust closed the trails on Oct. 4, and since then five bears have been spotted on the property, including near buildings and in the parking lot. In its update, the organization said the bears seen on site have been respectful so far, noting that a juvenile bear was shooed away with a leaf blower.

The trust said signs have been posted to discourage people from using the trail system. It also pointed out that the Coast Salish Plant Nursery remains open.

The decision aims to reduce the amount of contact between people and bears while allowing the animals to eat without human interaction before going into hibernation. “We recognize that it’s fattening season, so we’ve got to create spaces where they don’t feel pressured, shunned and pushed around,” said Wild Bird Trust of BC vice president Irwin Oostindie.

The North Shore Black Bear Society said the increase in bear activity across the North Shore may be linked to poor berry and salmon conditions this year. Executive director Holly Reisner said wild berry crops in higher elevations did not grow well and, in some cases, ripened and wilted early, while the Fraser River is also experiencing an off year for pink salmon. She said those food sources help bears put on the fat they need before hibernation.

Reisner added that while there is usually a drop in bear activity around the end of October into early November, the society expects activity could continue later this year. She urged residents to keep attractants at bay by managing waste properly and removing outdoor fridges and freezers from garages, and she said people should bring pumpkins and Jack-o’-Lanterns inside or take them in at the end of the night as Halloween approaches.