Bear Watch Update - July 12, 2008

There is one small yearling in Tuwanek this week. This bear does not look very healthy and with people doing a good job of keeping garbage indoors he is getting more bold and does not scare away easily.
Parents should keep an eye on young children and hikers should be aware and take the appropriate measures to ensure safety.

If you see these bears you can report it to the RAAP line at
Sechelt 1-800-731-6373 so they can be tracked. There is no chance that a call to the RAPP line will trigger a bear hunt (unless the bear is an immediate danger to people) . The info is used to get a broader understanding of where there is lots of activity so conservation and the Bear Aware Reps can direct their educational message more efficiently.

How to be Bear Aware in Tuwanek

» 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.
You can also call the Sunshine Coast Fruit Tree Project (SCFTP)
at (604) 886-7015 to have the fruit picked and donated.

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 bird feeders 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.

It does help to spray your garbage enclosure with cayenne pepper or a shot of bear spray as they don't like the smell and please make sure your bird feeders are down for the summer.

For more information on becoming BEAR AWARE Click the Bear print

To Report a Problem

Ministry of Environment - Conservation Officer Service - Contacts
Conservation Officer Service Ministry of Environment 710 Redbrick Road Victoria, BC V8T 5J3 ... Sechelt (604) 740-5858, Squamish
1-800-731-6373
www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/contacts.html