Wednesday July 21st, 2010 - Bears Coming Into Town In Search Of Easy Snacks With Sometimes Fatal Results

Bears and humans seem to be running into each other more and more. Considering that we humans are building homes, condos, businesses, whatever in what used to be bear territory, that is not all that surprising. Unfortunately, when the bears don’t move out of what was once their home, the end result is the bear getting shot.

Bears are attracted to garbage, fruit and anything else left out that even vaguely resembles food. Once this easy food source is found, bears come back again and again to dine. They are not easily dissuaded and if bears become unafraid of humans, then they must be put down. This is what happened on Monday in Maple Ridge. A bear was breaking into garbage cans and could not be scared away and had to be shot. Since April there have been more than 1,000 reports of bear sightings in an area that covers Port Moody and Mission. Several have been put down. A few have been tranquilized and moved out of the area.

The easiest way to deter bears is to just be careful what we put outside our homes. Use bear proof garbage cans, pick up all dropped fruit from around trees and bushes and don’t leave Fido’s munchies outside. Keeping yards clear of ready bear food will also deter raccoons and other wild animals from scavenging on your property. Raccoons look cute and cuddly, but they can cause considerable damage to property and may attack pets.

Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody have by-laws to enforce bear proofing of residential and business properties. Fines can be levied if the proper container is not used and bears get into the garbage. Maple Ridge, as of yet, has no such laws on the books.