With recent reports of bear and coyote activity, the City of Maple Ridge is reminding residents to be wildlife aware and take simple steps to help keep neighbourhoods, pets and local wildlife safe.
Maple Ridge is home to bears, coyotes and other wildlife. While wildlife sightings are a normal part of living in our community, animals can be drawn into neighbourhoods when food and shelter are easy to find.
In the fall, bears prepare for hibernation by entering a period of increased feeding known as hyperphagia. They may travel farther and spend more time searching for high-calorie food, including in residential areas where attractants are available.
Coyotes are also active at this time of year. From September through November, young coyotes may leave their family groups to establish new territory. This normal seasonal behaviour can result in more sightings in parks, school areas and neighbourhoods. Coyotes are most active around dawn and dusk but may be seen at any time of day.
“Maple Ridge is on nature’s doorstep, and wildlife sightings are part of living here,” said Michelle Adams, Director of Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety. “Recent bear and coyote activity is a reminder that we all have a role in preventing conflict. Securing food sources, keeping pets close and giving wildlife space are some of the most effective things residents can do to protect themselves, their neighbours and local wildlife.”
Garbage, compost, pet food, bird feeders, fallen fruit and unclean barbecues can attract bears, coyotes and other wildlife. Removing these attractants is one of the most effective ways to prevent wildlife from returning to residential areas.
Coyote safety
Coyotes generally avoid people, and encounters with people are uncommon. Residents can help keep coyotes wary of people by:
- Never feeding coyotes or leaving food outdoors.
- Keeping dogs on a leash and avoiding retractable or extension leashes.
- Supervising small pets outdoors and keeping them indoors at night where possible.
- Keeping a safe distance if you see a coyote.
- Walking in groups where possible, particularly at dawn and dusk.
If a coyote approaches you or acts bold, make yourself look large, use a firm voice and slowly back away. Do not run. If you are walking a dog, keep it close and leave the area calmly.
Help prevent wildlife conflicts
To help keep bears, coyotes, other wildlife and residents safe, the City recommends:
- Secure garbage: Store garbage in a wildlife-resistant container or secure building. Place garbage carts out no earlier than 5:00 a.m. and remove them by 7:00 p.m. on collection day.
- Remove bird feeders: Consider taking bird feeders down until winter.
- Manage compost properly: Use bear-resistant composters and do not add meat, fish or cooked food scraps. Freeze smelly garbage until collection day.
- Clean BBQs: Clean food residue and grease from barbecues after each use.
- Feed pets indoors: Do not leave pet food outside.
- Pick fruit promptly: Pick ripe fruit from trees and vines as soon as possible.
- Protect small livestock: Use appropriate fencing to protect beehives, chicken coops and other small livestock.
- Reduce denning opportunities: Secure access to spaces under decks, sheds and other structures where wildlife may seek shelter.
If you encounter a bear
- Stay calm and do not run.
- Back away slowly while speaking in a calm voice.
- Give the bear plenty of space and a clear way to leave the area.
- Keep pets leashed and close to you, especially in the early morning and evening.
Residents should report wildlife-human interactions where there is a public-safety concern, including aggressive or unusually bold wildlife, to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP).
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/Wildlife, wildsafebc.com or contact mrwildsafebc@gmail.com. Report concerns related to garbage or wildlife attractants at MapleRidge.ca/Report or contact the City’s Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety team at 604 467 7305 or bylaws@mapleridge.ca.