Maple Ridge, B.C., September 19, 2024 – As fall approaches and bears prepare for hibernation, the City of Maple Ridge reminds residents to use caution and practice bear-safe habits.
With increased bear activity in neighbourhoods during this time of year, taking simple steps to reduce attractants and minimize human-bear interactions is crucial for public and wildlife safety.
Bears are currently in hyperphagia, where they consume extra calories to store fat for the winter. This can bring them closer to homes in search of food sources, such as garbage, fruit trees, bird feeders, and pet food.
To help keep bears wild and ensure the safety of our community, residents can take the following precautions:
- 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
"By taking these steps to secure attractants, we can protect both the bears and our community,” said Michelle Adams, the City’s Director of Bylaw, Licensing and Community Safety. “Let's all do our part to avoid unnecessary interactions with wildlife and help keep these animals safe in their natural habitats."
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 collaborates with the Conservation Officer Service and WildSafeBC to provide education and enforce regulations on wildlife attractants. 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 bylaws@mapleridge.ca.
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For additional information, contact
Michelle Adams, Director of Bylaw, Licensing and Community Safety
T 604 467 7370 E madams@mapleridge.ca