Increased bear sightings are a reminder to residents to lock up garbage

The Conservation Service says it has been a very quiet summer for them, but calls and wildlife sightings are starting to pick up, especially bear sightings.

Officers received only half the number of complaints they usually do in the summer months, however, this week alone a few bears have been destroyed after wandering into downtown Kamloops and Prince George.

Conservation officers say it is a reminder to residents to lock up their garbage and clean up any fruit that has dropped to the ground.

“Some of the residents are still leaving their garbage cans, out in front, which is attracting the bears,” says conservation officer James Brady.

In Prince George one resident was upset to hear a bear cry in a trap after it wandered into her neighbourhood.

“It was heartbreaking to see a conservation officer come out into our neighbourhood on Monday evening, placing a live bear trap,” says Linda Parker a resident of the Starlane subdivision.

After conservation officers set the trap on Monday night, the bear was caught on Tuesday night.

Conservation officers in Kamloops were also called to deal with a bear near the Overlanders Bridge on Tuesday afternoon.

They believe that bear has since moved on, but some traps have been set up around the city as sightings have increased.

Overall though, the conservation service says this summer was far better than most for wildlife sightings, but animals are starting to make their way to lower elevations before winter.

“Actually this year our bear numbers are down as far as the response to bear complaints this year, it’s been exceptional really compared to some years when we have a lot more bear complaints to deal with,” says Doug Forsdick, acting chief superintendent of the conservation officer service.

– With files from CFJC News