BE BEAR AWARE!

Preventing Problems with Bears and Garbage

Local provincial conservation officers estimate that half the calls they receive about nuisance black bears are garbage related. Being "bear smart" about how you handle your garbage and other food waste is one of the best ways to prevent problems. This will help protect the safety of both people and wildlife.

The Regional District of Nanaimo and its municipal partners want you to be Bear Smart with your garbage, food waste and recycling. Some areas of the region do experience seasonal problems with bears and food attractants. The following tips can help in those locations.

Bear Smart Tips About Garbage and Food Waste

• Vancouver Island bears are most active between early spring and late fall.
• Store your garbage can and green food waste collection bin in a secure, locked location such as a garage or sturdy garden shed.
• Ensure your garbage can is sealed with a tightfitting lid and the lid of your green bin is securely closed.
• Put your garbage can or green bin at the curb on the morning of your collection day. Don't leave them at the curbside overnight.
• Use a spray bottle filled with a bleach solution to deodorize the lid and exterior of your green bin to prevent food odours from attracting bears and other wildlife.
• Collect fruit from fruit trees as it ripens. Unpicked or ripe fruit left on the ground may attract bears or wildlife to your property and to your garbage can and green bin.
• Maintain your compost bin to keep it from attracting bears or wildlife.
• Don't put meat, fish, cooked foods, bread, fruit, cereal etc. in your backyard composter.
• Sprinkle your compost with garden lime. Lime aids the composting process and reduces odours that might attract bears or wildlife.
• Bears may also be attracted to outdoor bird feeders (especially suet), barbecue grills and domestic pet food. During bear season, keep barbecue grills clean, avoid hanging bird feeders, and store pet food inside your house.

• Stay calm. Usually the bear is just passing through the area and if no food is available it will move on.
• Keep away from the bear and warn others to keep away. Bring children and pets into the house.
• If the bear appears to be threatening, persistent or aggressive call the Conservation Officer at 1-877-952-7277.

For more information on bears and bear safety, visit the Bear Aware Website at www.bearaware.bc.ca or visit the BC Ministry of Environment Conservation Officer Bear Aware Website at www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/info/bearaware.