Metro Vancouver sees sharp rise in black bear encounters as hibernation nears, officials say

The Story

Black bear interactions are becoming more common across Metro Vancouver as bears prepare to hibernate, with officials pointing to drought and poor crop conditions that may be pushing bears to search for food closer to nearby communities.

So far this year, conservation officers have reported nearly a 17 per cent increase in human interactions with black bears. “It’s been significantly busier than a normal year would be,” said North Shore Black Bear Society (NSBBS) executive director Holly Reisner.

Between January and July of this year, the NSBBS says six black bears were killed in the North Shore. In the same period, reports indicate conservation officers have killed more than 130 black bears across the province.

Local residents have also described recent encounters. North Shore resident Hazel Mackie said her dog, Lucy, had an encounter with a bear a few days ago, but was unharmed because she was on a leash. “I don’t know what she would have done if she were off leash,” Mackie said. Another North Shore resident, David, said he saw a bear at Trout Lake two days ago.

In response to the increased activity, officials have also taken steps to manage sightings. Maplewood Flats Conservation Trail was closed after five bears were spotted in the area in the past few weeks.

The NSBBS is reminding the public to reduce attractants as bears look for one last meal before winter, including removing food and wrappers from vehicles. “Make sure that when you park your car there’s no food inside, there’s no wrappers,” Reisner said, adding that “Even something like an air freshener can attract a bear.”