Residents in parts of Sooke are being reminded to secure garbage and other attractants after reports of a mother black bear and her cubs roaming local neighbourhoods.
According to the Wild Wise Society, the bears have recently been spotted accessing attractants in the Brailsford and Mountain Heights areas.
The wildlife education group said when bears begin finding easy food sources in residential areas, they can quickly learn to return. This increases the risk of human-bear conflicts and can ultimately lead to the animals being destroyed.
While some people believe relocating problem bears is a solution, Wild Wise notes that relocation often comes with its own challenges and conflicts can continue in the area where the bears are moved.
“Most human–bear conflicts are preventable with human responsibility,” the organization said in a social media post.
“Removing attractants helps keep bears wild and reduces the chances they will continue visiting residential areas or that their behaviours will escalate.”
Residents are being asked to take several precautions around their properties, including storing garbage and recycling indoors or in bear-resistant containers, placing bins at the curb only on the morning of collection, and cleaning outdoor BBQs after each use.
Other recommendations include bringing pet food indoors, picking ripe fruit and removing fallen fruit from the ground, securing compost, and avoiding the use of outdoor fridges or freezers in bear country.
The District of Sooke also has a bylaw that requires attractants to be secured at all times.
Residents who notice unsecured attractants that could contribute to bear activity are encouraged to report them to Sooke Bylaw and the BC Conservation Officer Service’s RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
Wild Wise Society says community cooperation is key to preventing conflicts and ensuring both people and wildlife can safely coexist in the area.
