There has been an uptick in bear activity around Fernie and the city is urging residents to be extra diligent to reduce bear encounters.
Residents should not store garbage or other waste outside between collection days and you certainly should not leave any pic-a-nic baskets unattended.
If you do not have access to indoor storage for your waste, the city encourages that you dispose of it at the Fernie Transfer Station or the bear-resistant dumpsters at city hall, Max Turyk or the aquatic centre.
The Elk Valley is a hot spot for bear encounters.
“This area is an excellent bear habitat, so the animals are naturally drawn here. However, even when we compare to areas with similar habitats, the conflicts here are exceptionally high,” said WildSafe BC Elk Valley community coordinator Dianna Haycock
“Fernie is located in a natural wildlife corridor, so we see bears pretty much everywhere. Properties that back onto green spaces like James White Park will see more bear activity, but it’s not uncommon to see bears walk right through the middle of town.”
Residents are also encouraged to keep pets inside at night and avoid feeding birds or leaving bird feeders out.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
