It’s been a quiet year, so far, for bear-human conflicts      250 News file photo

Prince George, BC – The bear season is off to a slow start in terms of number of complaints and the Prince George Bear Aware Community Coordinator is hoping it stays that way…

Laura Bass says her main mission is to reduce the number of human-bear conflicts in the city through education and cooperation.  Since April, Bass says there have been 102 black bear complaints and three involving grizzlies, which is slightly lower than the same period last year.

Unfortunately, four animals have had to be destroyed. Sergeant Rory Smith with the Omineca Region Conservation Officer Service says three bears have been put down by COs, while the fourth was destroyed by RCMP officers.

Bass is urging people to manage their attractants – garbage, bird feeders, bbqs and pet food.  She points out the city-issued garbage cans are not bear-resistant and should be stored in a garage or shed until the morning of pick-up.

She’s also encouraging residents in ‘problem’ areas to be particularly vigilant – those areas this year are similar to 2011, the South Hart, North Nechako and College Heights.

"It’s shaping up to be pretty similar to last year – definitely a far cry from 2010 when we had the highest number of complaints," says Bass.  "So that’s definitely a positive note."

Between March and December of 2010, the Conservation Officer Service received 1900 complaints and destroyed 87 bears.