Castlegar’s WildSafeBC co-ordinator said no bears have been destroyed so far this year in and around the community to her knowledge.
“This year has actually been quieter than previous years in terms of bear activity,” Tara Pejski said.
“Typically we see fewer bears in our community when there are really good wildberry crops in the mountains. So there’s less need to come into the community looking for food.”
But in the absence of bears, other animals have been filling in. Pejski said she is noticing more reports of elk, deer, and other hooved animals.
She also said it is important to stay diligent in managing bear attractants, especially going into the fall, when they are the most active.
In addition to providing community education on wildlife, Pejski and her volunteers have been driving around the evening before garbage collection and placing tags on any bins placed out early. A city bylaw says they must not be placed out before 4 a.m. on the day of collection.
They look for garbage bins, compost, bins, as well as recycling bins, which often include food containers like pizza boxes, jam cars, and empty cans. Pejski said even if they’re clean, they can still have a smell that attracts wildlife.
On a good night, Pejski said they only tag four or five bins. On a bad night they can be into the double digits.
“But as a community I would say we are doing really great,” she said.
WildSafeBC is planning some community events in September, including a wildlife safety presentation and a free family movie night.
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