Prince George, B.C. – Spring is well underway so don’t forget to be ‘bear aware.’

Northern Bear Awareness Society president Dave Bakker installs a sign near the corner of Simon Fraser and Brock Monday morning – photo courtesy Northern Bear Awareness Society

The Northern Bear Awareness is doing what it can to get the word out by installing signs on telephone poles in neighbourhoods around town.

President Dave Bakker says they’re funding the initiative through funds left over from their Fruit Exchange program.

“We looked around the city and we realized that well over 20 years ago some caution signs were erected in some of the more prolific areas in the neighbourhoods and they aren’t too legible anymore,” he says.

“So, we decided to invest in some new signs and are putting up 50 of them from College Heights to the Hart.”

The signs encourage residents to secure their attractants, to put garbage out only on pickup days, to pick ripened fruit and not to put meat, fish, or dairy in their backyard compost.

“I guess the other thing that motivated us too is that we thought it’s been a long time so I’m sure the residents have seen a turnover in the neighbourhoods and may not be aware that they’re that close to a bear habitat,” says Bakker.

“So, it’s a good reminder that you’re living close and we’ve got to start addressing the reason for the conflict level.”

He expects all 50 signs to be up within the next two weeks.

As for bear sightings this year, Bakker says things have been slower than normal but notes things can change in a hurry.

“I can’t predict what’s going to happen for the rest of the year. Last year was a slow start then it just exploded in the fall.”