Maple Ridge, B.C., March 25, 2026 – As bears come out of hibernation, the City of Maple Ridge is reminding residents to be bear-aware and take steps to protect both their homes and local wildlife through a public education campaign asking, ‘What Kind of Spring Bear Are You?”
The campaign invites residents to connect with bear safety by choosing a spring bear that resonates with them. From “Would Rather Be Sleeping Bear” to “Wild at Heart Bear,” each bear shares a practical tip to educate residents on bear behaviour and suggest actions residents can take to reduce attractants and help keep wildlife safe.
With warmer weather, bears and other wildlife are actively searching for food and are often drawn into residential neighbourhoods by easily accessible attractants such as garbage, compost, bird feeders, pet food, and fallen fruit. Managing these attractants is the most effective way to reduce the risk of potentially dangerous human-animal interactions.
The City works in partnership 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.
"Spring is when bears and other wildlife start to get active and it’s important we do our part to keep them out of neighbourhoods,” said Michelle Adams, the City’s Director of Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety. “This new campaign is all about making bear and wildlife safety relatable and easy to act on to keep our community safe.”
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:
- Stay calm and do not run.
- Back away slowly while speaking in a calm voice.
- Give the animal plenty of space to leave the area.
- Keep pets leashed and close to you, especially during early morning or evening hours.
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 the Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety team at 604 467 7305 or bylaws@mapleridge.ca