When the valley isn’t covered in smoke, many people spend much of their summer days in the outdoors.
While locals and tourists are encouraged to explore the area, there’s also a warning from the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) about bears in regional parks.
“With ripening fruit in the valley orchards and Okanagan Kokanee salmon spawning expected, more bears will be frequenting regional parks, especially those with corridor connections to the higher elevations,” says Bruce Smith, RDCO spokesperon.
Smith says proof that bears are around has already been found in some areas such as the Mission Creek Greenway, Woodhaven Nature Conservancy, Scenic Canyon and Rose Valley Regional Parks.
“As sightings increase, we post signs advising that the animals may be active in the area,” says Smith. “To reduce your chance of an encounter, travel in a group if possible, make noise or carry something that makes noise.”
Smith says aside from making your presence known, you should avoid any encounters with a bear.
“Bears can be aggressive, especially when defending their food or their cubs,” says Smith. “They also have excellent senses of smell and hearing and better sight than you might believe.”
Bruce says dog owners are reminded that pets have to be leashed and kept on the trails at all times unless otherwise indicated.
“It’s not only the law, but it will help avoid any potentially serious wildlife encounter,” says Smith.
In order to prevent potential temptation for bears or other wildlife, residents are reminded to keep garbage securely stored and wheeling their garbage cart out in the morning of their regular curbside collection.
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