The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service says bears are continuing to cause conflicts in Squamish, including break-ins and collisions, as natural food becomes scarce.
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The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (COS) is advising Squamish residents that significant numbers of bear conflicts are continuing in the community.
In its public guidance, the COS spokesperson said local incidents include bears breaking into garages, trying to access homes and vehicles, and accessing commercial garbage and grease bins to find food. The service also noted that a number of bears have been struck by motor vehicles in the Squamish area this season, and reminded drivers that bears may be crossing roads while searching for food.
COS said bear activity increases as fall approaches because bears need to find food and store fat ahead of hibernation. The service linked the current pattern to reduced natural food availability, citing a poor berry crop in the area that can cause bears to travel farther and look in novel places for sustenance.
The COS urged residents to properly manage anything that attracts bears. It recommended securing all garbage and compost, removing bird feeders, and cleaning barbecues, and advised ensuring windows and doors in homes and vehicles are closed and locked.
As part of its attractant-management advice, COS said residents should not leave food in vehicles. It also warned that pumpkins can attract bears, recommending that if residents choose to put pumpkins outside, they should do it only on Halloween night and bring them inside at night before disposing of them properly.
The COS reminded the public to give bears space, never feed or approach bears, and back away slowly if someone encounters a bear.
Bears that spend time in communities foraging on non-natural foods may start breaking into structures or vehicles when attracted to odours, the COS said, adding that residents should remove odours by washing trash bins and using deodorizers.
The COS said bear conflicts and aggressive bear behaviour can be reported through the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277, and that conservation officers will respond as necessary to help ensure public safety.
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