The
success of the Bear Aware Program is dependent upon community involvement. In
order to reduce the conflict between people and bears in residential neighbourhoods,
all sectors of the community must adopt the Bear Aware Program as something that
is an integral part of West Coast of Vancouver Island.
Bear Aware operates under the premise of proactive management, and in the
long term, this method is more effective and cost efficient to implement than
to continually react to those bears that become human-habituated and food-conditioned
as a result of human mismanagement.
It is Important to Limit The Odour Attraction
 Keep
garbage inside |
|
Compost
responsible |
| Pick
the fruit, pick up windfalls |
|
Remove
unwanted fruit trees |
| Store
pet foods inside |
|
Keep
your barbeque clean |
Be a Bear Smart Community
The Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection have produced a brochure entitled
Be a Bear Smart Community. You may view
and download the Bear Smart brochure here. Access the Ministry’s bear
information on their website here.
Report All Poachers and Polluters
Use the toll-free number is 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP)
A
Homeowner's Checklist
Step 1...Bear-Proof Your Home
1. Garbage ?
 Store
garbage in a wildlife resistant enclosure until morning of pick-up.
Place
garbage at curb in a wildlife resistant container on morning of pick-up.
2. Compost ?
Turn
compost regularly.
DO
NOT add meat, dairy, oil, fats, or fish products.
3. Fruit Trees ?
Pick
ripe and fallen fruit daily.
Remove
unused fruit trees.
Give
fruit to neighbours if you can't use it all.
4. Barbecue ?
Burn
off the grill after each use.
Empty
and clean grease trap.
Store
covered and in a secure area.
5. Pet Food ?
Bring
pet dishes inside and clean up any spillage.
Store
pet food indoors.
6. Bird Food ?
Use
birdfeeders only in winter when birds benefit from it most. If they are used,
make sure they are inaccessible to bears, and keep the ground free of seeds.
(When considering where to put a bird feeder, keep in mind how well bears can
climb).
Step 2: If You See a Bear...
Go
indoors—DO NOT RUN from the bear.
ALERT
your neighbours and make sure that all the aforementioned attractants are properly
stored, both in your home and your neighbours.
Remember, bears were here first.
Be Safe - Be Bear Aware
|
