Sep. 28, 2009 Royston Elementary School: 10 Things you should know about BEARS The website to go to for more information is: Ministry of Environment and look under: “Environmental Stewardship”. Also Google: BEAR SMART COMMUNITY.
GARBAGE AND COMPOST:
1. Keep garbage in the house, garage, or shed until pick-day morning:
2. Don’t add meat products or cooked food to compost; turn it regularly & keep it covered.
FRUIT TREES:
3. Pick ripe and fallen fruit daily.
4. Remove unused fruit trees.
BIRD FOOD:
5. Use birdfeeders only in winter.
6. Keep ground free of seeds.
BARBECUE:
7. Clean BBQ grill after each use.
8. Store covered in a secure area.
PET FOOD:
9. Bring pet dishes inside and clean up any spillage.
10. Store pet food indoors.
IF YOU SEE A BEAR:
Ø Remain calm; don’t panic. Often, the bear is just passing through and, if it finds no food source, will simply move on.
Ø Keep away from the bear and bring children and pets indoors.
Ø Never approach the bear and do not run from it.
Ø Warn others of the bear’s presence, without yelling.
Ø Once the bear has left, check your yard to ensure there are no attractants available.
Other information to consider:
· Watch for bears when they are active between May and October, but especially during August and September. If you live in a mild area such as Vancouver Island or the Lower Mainland, bears may be active all year.
· Dogs may be effective at warning you if a bear is nearby, but make sure all dogs are restrained or in a fenced yard.
· Thin the bush on your property or create a break in natural bear pathways that lead to your house.
· Do not leave garbage, pet food or livestock feed in the back of pickup trucks, even under canopies. Canopies are not bear-resistant containers.
If you sight a bear close to your residence:
Call the Conservation Officer Service @ 1-877-952-7277 right away (don’t wait a day) and give them your name; date; place and time of sighting so they have specific information to work with.