Bear Complaints Climbing

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C.- The number of black bears destroyed in the Prince George area has recently increased from 9 animals up to 14. There have been 315 black bear complaints and 11 grizzly complaints so far this season.

Managing backyard bear attractants is very important in keeping bears out of our neighbourhoods, but we also need to remember to be bear aware when we venture into natural bear habitat. With the weather warming up and school out for the summer, many people are planning camping trips. Here are some tips on being bear aware while camping:

1)      Choose a camp site away from wildlife trails or where a bear may be feeding, such as spawning streams or berry patches. If you see signs that a bear may be around, keep moving and find another spot.

2)      Cook your food away from where you're sleeping.

3)      Keep a clean camp site! Wipe down tables and wash your dishes.

4)      Store food and garbage in a vehicle, or in bear-resistant storage lockers that some campgrounds provide. If neither of those are available, use rope to hang your food and garbage from a sturdy branch so that it is at least 4 metres off the ground and at least 1 metre from the tree trunk and branch.

5)      Store perfumed toiletries or supplies (toothpaste, soap, deodorant, insect spray, sunscreen, etc) similarly to your food and garbage – don't keep them in your tent with you. 

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