Maple Ridge, B.C., March 18, 2025 – As bears come out of hibernation, the City of Maple Ridge reminds residents to be bear-aware and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the protection of wildlife.
With the warmer weather, residents are reminded to manage attractants—such as garbage, bird feeders, outdoor pet food, and fallen fruit—that could draw bears, raccoons, and other wildlife into residential areas. Securing these items helps reduce the risk of potential safety conflicts.
The City collaborates with the Conservation Officer Service and WildSafeBC to educate residents on bear safety and enforce wildlife attractant regulations. City Bylaw Services staff assist in raising awareness about how to minimize risks and prevent conflicts between humans and bears.
"Bears are a natural part of our environment, and it’s important we do our part, so they stay wild,” said Michelle Adams, the City’s Director of Bylaw, Licensing and Community Safety. “Securing garbage, cleaning up fallen fruit, and removing bird feeders can make a big difference in keeping bears away from homes and reducing unnecessary interactions."
To help keep bears, wildlife, and residents safe, the City recommends the following:
- Secure Garbage: Store garbage in wildlife-resistant containers or a secure building. Place garbage carts out no earlier than 5:00 a.m. and remove by 7:00 p.m. on collection day.
- Remove Bird Feeders: Consider taking bird feeders down until winter
- Manage Compost Properly: Use bear-proof composters and avoid adding meat, fish, or cooked food scraps to your compost. Freeze smelly garbage until collection day
- Clean BBQs: After each use, thoroughly clean your BBQ to remove food residue and grease
- Feed Pets Indoors: Do not leave pet food outside, and feed pets indoors
- Secure Beehives and Livestock: Use fencing to protect beehives, chicken coops, and other small livestock.
- Fruit trees: Pick ripened fruit from trees and vines immediately
Residents are advised to report wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP). If you encounter a bear, remain calm, back away slowly, and avoid running. Always give the animal plenty of space to leave the area.
The City's Wildlife and Vector Control Bylaw aims to reduce human/wildlife interactions and ensure wildlife protection and public safety. Those found contravening this bylaw can be issued daily fines ranging from $100 to $500.
For more information on bear safety and to access additional resources, visit mapleridge.ca/bears or contact Michelle Adams, Director of Bylaw, Licensing and Community Safety at 604 467 7370 or bylaws@mapleridge.ca.
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Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 467-4319 C 778-955-4249 E ppurewal@mapleridge.ca