It's time to put away garbage, birdseed, compost, pet food and to keep fruit from trees off the ground.
Bears emerging from hibernation are looking for food and helping themselves to anything they can find. This food-conditioned behaviour increases potential conflicts with people. Whether it's a dirty barbecue or food scraps in composts, bears only need to locate food once to develop a feeding pattern of returning to an area.
COUGAR ALERT
Other animals, such as young cougars, roam wide in search of unoccupied territory, increasing their chances of wandering into residential communities, parks and campgrounds. Last July a cougar had to be destroyed in Port Moody because it wouldn't leave a tree in a Port Moody back yard.
Cougars are occasionally spotted in Port Moody and Belcarra, attracted to the area because of the deer.
Coyote pups are born in the spring and by July are attempting to hunt on their own.
For advice on reducing conflicts with wildlife visit the WildSafeBC website at www.wildsafebc.com
WHO TO CALL
Report human-wildlife conflicts that threaten public safety or result in significant property damage by calling the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line, toll free at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP), or visit the RAPP website at www.rapp.bc.ca
STAYING SAFE
Do not provide food to wildlife.
Remain calm and never approach the animal.
Always keep the animal in front of you (never turn your back) and back away slowly (never run).
Keep children and pets close or pick them up. If possible, bring children and pets indoors.
If the animal appears interested in you or approaches:
- Make yourself look as large as possible by waving your arms above your head.
- Make loud noises, shout at the animal in a loud, aggressive voice or bang pots and pans and throw objects like rocks and sticks.
Under the Wildlife Act, conservation officers can issue a $230 ticket or notice for a court appearance to residents who do not secure attractants. Residents who leave items out that attract dangerous wildlife could also be issued a Dangerous Wildlife Protection Order. Failure to comply with an order carries a $575 fine.
