Search PentictonNow
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is offering tips and tricks to residents in an effort to reduce bear-human conflicts.
With the warm spring weather lately and in the forecast, the RDOS says there has been an increase in wildlife activity throughout the region.
As a result, people are reminded to take the steps to secure waste bins and other “convenient, unnatural” food sources for bears, rats and raccoons.
“BC has the largest population of black bears in North America, and interactions within the RDOS reached new highs in 2023,” the RDOS says in a news release.
“We can all do our part to reduce conflicts with wildlife. This will help keep wildlife wild and communities safe.”
To avoid attracting bears and other wildlife, South Okanagan residents are reminded to store all garbage in a secure area.
People are encouraged to wash out all food and recyclable containers before placing them in a curbside bin or freeze any leftovers that might smell like a tasty snack to animals.
Now that bears and other wildlife are awake from winter hibernation, people are urged to remove bird feeders until the winter.
Residents are asked to report wildlife conflicts or sightings in urban areas to the Conservation Officer Service anytime at 1-877-952-7277.