Spring is in full bloom in Prince George and that also means bears are slowly coming out of hibernation.
Dave Bakker with the Northern Bear Awareness Society is encouraging residents to secure waste and put away bird feeders.
Bakker told MyPGNow.com locals don’t need to be hitting the panic button, but they should keep their eyes peeled.
“It’s not really the busiest time for sightings or the ones that are most concerning but it always does reflect when bears are starting to emerge.”
“Historically, we always see a progression for bear sightings and activity starting at the southernmost edge of the city limits and then slowly working its way north while also seeing activity on areas that receive a lot of daytime sunshine and warmer temperatures like any south slopes.”
Bakker adds bears are often creatures of habit, meaning if they have spotted food sources in a particular area they will most likely head back to that spot.
“If you had bear activity last year they don’t forget. They are going to return to that spot to where they found food sources before,” added Bakker.
“I know a lot of people who had their bird feeders out all winter and now is the time to start cleaning up and start putting them away. They contain a lot of calories, which bears are after.”
A few sightings have already taken place in the College Heights area.