KELOWNA – People visiting regional parks in the central Okanagan are advised to be “bear aware”.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan says there’s evidence bruins have already been feeding on berries in Kelowna’s Mission Creek Regional Park, the Greenway and Scenic Canyon Regional Park in West Kelowna.
“With ripening fruit in valley orchards and the annual salmon spawning, it’s not unusual for visitors to many of our Central Okanagan Regional Parks to come across animals in their natural home especially those parks with corridor connections to the higher elevations,” said district spokesperson Bruce Smith in a news release.
It’s advised park visitors travel in a group and make noise to make their presence known.
“People should respect all bears and anticipate and avoid encounters with them,” said Smith. “Bears can be aggressive, especially when defending their food or their cubs. Dog owners are reminded unless otherwise designated their pets must be leashed and kept on trails at all times.”
People who encounter a bear should stay well away from it.
Comments