The Conservation Officer Service had less calls over the summer regarding bears in Prince George.
According to the Northern Bear Awareness Society, there were only 212 reports as of August 31st in PG, with the province also seeing a decrease in calls.
Board of Directors President Nicole Botten attributes the lower bear sightings to better crops outside the city.
“In anyone ventured out into the woods for a walk you would’ve noticed that there were lots of flowers in the spring, which of course produce lots of fruit and berries in the fall and summer.”
“It was easy for the bears to keep themselves satisfied in their natural habitat.”
While Botten hopes people properly store and keep away bear attractants, she said there’s been an improvement over the years of people being more aware of them.
Some ways to help prevent bears visiting your property is by putting a ratchet strap on garbage bins, putting away bird feeders, and picking any fruit at least until winter.
It’s also important to store pumpkins during the evening, and Botten noted carved pumpkins are more fragrant for a bear.
Botten said at this time of year, bears are constantly eating so they can live off of stored fat over the winter.
More information about the Northern Bear Awareness Society can be found on its website here.
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