Staff from WildsafeBC in Castlegar are reminding residents to properly secure their attractants after a sow and her two cubs were seen rummaging through food and garbage over the last week northwest of Millennium Park.
According to a social media post, the organization said residents should keep the lid on their garbage can locked and store their garbage can inside when it’s not being used.
Residents are also asked to pick or rake up all the fruits and nuts around their property to prevent bears from accessing them.
Placing metal flashing or electric fencing around properties can also make it harder for bears to access attractants, according to WildSafeBC.
“[The bears] have become food conditioned, meaning they have learned to associate people with sources of food. It is especially sad to see a sow teaching her cubs these behaviours that will put them at risk of getting into conflict with people,” said WildSafeBC in the post.
“These cubs may have short lives and are more likely to have an unnatural death.”
A bear and sow were destroyed last July in Rossland after they broke into several vehicles in search of food.
Residents are asked to call the Castlegar bylaw officer at 250-365-8963 if they see bears accessing attractants in their or other properties.
@connortrembley
connor.trembley@castlegarnews.com
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