As bears emerge from hibernation across British Columbia, campers are being urged to take precautions to prevent encounters with the hungry animals.
Experts recommend securing food sources, including garbage bins and pet food, to minimize the risk of bears foraging in residential areas.
Angelika Langen, executive director and co-founder of Northern Lights Wildlife Sanctuary, emphasized the importance of keeping attractants out of reach.
“They’re coming out of hibernation and they’re hungry. They will be looking for anything that provides them with as much calories as possible,” Langen said in Boundary Creek Times.
“Bird feeders, garbage, fruit piles, and those kinds of things attract the animals. Keeping those away and locking them up so that the bears can’t get to them, that’s the best way. That way the bear just walks through your yard and moseys on,” Langen added.
Homeowners are advised to invest in bear-proof garbage containers, avoid leaving food outdoors, and secure gates to deter bears.
Hikers are also encouraged to take precautions when venturing into bear territory. Carrying bear spray and making noise while on trails can help prevent close encounters. “Everybody should carry bear spray when they’re going out and know how to use it. That’s really important because otherwise, it’s not very useful,” Langen said.
Parks Canada provides an online guide detailing the proper use of bear spray. It should only be deployed as a last resort in the event of an aggressive bear encounter. Users are advised to create a barrier of spray between themselves and the bear, using short bursts until the animal retreats.
Encounters with mother bears also require additional caution. Langen explained that mothers often keep cubs near a designated “safety tree” in case of perceived threats.
“The little ones are not able to follow mom for longer distances. At this time of year, if you encounter a mom with cubs, you want to give them space because she’s not able to take the cubs away from you and give you space,” she said.
