Now that the summer season is here, it is important to remember the bear necessities.
Numerous bears have been spotted around Prince George and posted to social media, but Nicole Botten, President of the Northern Bear Awareness Society Board, said she is not sure if there is more bear activity in the area than normal.
“We haven’t seen the most recent conservation officer service reports about calls that they have received,” Botten explained.
She thinks “it might seem like there are more bear sightings this year because more people are commenting and posting on social media… it’s hard to say.”
Regardless of if there are more bears, or bears are feeling more adventurous this year, bear awareness practices don’t change.
“It is important that when they do come into our yards, they don’t find anything that is delicious,” Botten said. “If they pass through and sniff around, maybe play with a ball or cute things like that, its fine.”
Once a bear finds food, garbage, or a reason to come back, is when problems start and conservation officers get called in.
Botten said the top six bear attractants are:
- Garbage
- Fruit trees
- Bird feeders
- Barbecues
- Compost
- Pet food
She said garbage is the main issue every year, and recommends cans be left in garages or sheds, or that the lid is at least strapped down.
For more information on the Northern Bear Awareness Society, click here.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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