Province Promotes Bear Awareness
Monday, May 14, 2012 @ 4:16 AM
Prince George, B.C. – Environment Minister Terry Lake is spreading the word to British Columbians to do what they can to control bear attractants and reduce conflicts with bears.
The main cause of human-wildlife conflicts in B.C. is access to non-natural food sources. Bears that learn how to get at exposed pet food, ripe fruit, improperly stored garbage, dirty barbecues or composts become conditioned and will continue to return to the area.
British Columbians are encouraged to prevent human-bear conflicts by adopting the following practices:
· Keep garbage secured in a bear-resistant container or in the house, garage or shed until pick-up day.
· Pick ripe and fallen fruit daily.
· Use bird feeders only in winter.
· Keep the ground free of seeds and nuts.
· Clean the barbecue grill after each use.
· Bring pet food dishes inside.
· Do not add meat products or uncooked food to compost.
· If residents spot a bear, they are advised to remain calm, keep away from the bear and bring children and pets indoors, if possible.
· People should never approach a bear and should not run from it, as bears can move very quickly.
· Once a bear has left the area, residents should check their yards to ensure no attractants are available.
Recent changes to the Wildlife Act give Conservation Officers the ability to issue a $230 ticket or notice for a court appearance to residents who do not secure attractants.
Over the past five years in B.C., an average of 600 black bears have been destroyed each year, while 93 were relocated.
The public is encouraged to 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
Comments
University Heights, proposed golf course to the north of the Nechako and similar developments seem to always include so-called wildlife corridors. I am sure this is not the only urban centre where that notion is thought of as great planning.
When it comes to highways, the ideal are highways such as the coquihalla connector which has wildlife fences on both sides with the occasional under and overpass which allows wildlife to cross from one side to the other.
Interestingly I find nothing about urban wildlife corridors in the Ministry’s information. Yet we provide such corridors in our community without blinking an eye.
Here is what the Ministry in Ontario says about wildlife corridors in an urban environment.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Bearwise/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_167704.html
Communities should consider how managing greenspaces and wildlife corridors can help to reduce the potential for bears to be attracted into the community. Community planners can consider:
â¢Locating and maintaining greenspaces and trails so they DO NOT provide a continuous wildlife corridor between forested land and residential areas.
â¢Clearing brush away from school yards and children’s play areas.
â¢Planning new housing developments so that greenspaces are not contiguous, while allowing for wildlife travel corridors AROUND the community.
â¢Not planting fruit-bearing trees such as Crab Apples or MOUNTAIN ASH which could attract bears.
I think the BC Ministry needs to go further in its promotion, especially in communities which are so close to forested and range lands in BC.
BTW, the streets in our subdivision sre lined with mountain ash which were provided by the City to plant here some 35 years ago.
I believe Walmart, Canadian Tire and Home Depot sits on a “wildlife corridor” in days of yore. Sure fixed those animals now, eh?
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