BEAR SUMMARY FOR THE ALBERNI VALLEY
The following summary is based upon a compilation of bear information provided by
government agencies and unconfirmed sightings reported by the public over the last
several weeks. It is not intended to be used as a real time, complete record of where bears are in
the valley.
BEARS CAN BE ENCOUNTERED ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
Be aware of your surroundings, know how to reduce the likelihood of encounters, and be
prepared should an encounter take place. Always use caution by paying attention to
signs of bear activity such as scats, tracks, and diggings. Make lots of noise while hiking;
hike in groups when possible; carry pepper spray; and remove all backyard attractants.
BEAR ACTIVITY TRENDS
There has been a very high level of black bear activity within the following areas: Sterling Arms Cresc, Lakeshore Rd, Beaver Creek & Beaver Creek trailer park, 3rd Ave, China Creek Rd and 6th Ave.
Reports of bear activity have also occurred on Whittlestone Ave, Crofton Rd, Strathcona St, Strathern, Golden St, San Mateo, Chatham Rd, Clayoquot Rd, Montrose, Wellington Ave, South St, Bute, Burde, Bryson Rd, Gertrude St, River Rd, Anderson Ave, Klitsa, Johnson Rd, Wallace St, Gallic Rd, Mary St, Kitsuksis Creek Trail, Somass Cresc, Scott Creek, 15th Ave, 10th Ave, 4th Ave, 7th Ave, 2nd Ave, 9th Ave, 8th Ave, 16th Ave, 11th Ave, 17th Ave, 12th Ave, Tseshaht area and East Somass Creek.
Public complaints reveal that bears are gaining access to residential and commercial garbage, recyclables, compost and fruit. As a result of the bears accessing some of these attractants, people are also reporting damage to fences, compost boxes and fruit trees. Immediate action is required to prevent further human-bear conflict and reduce possible risk to human safety and damage to personal property.
Keep all bear attractants including garbage & recycling in a secured enclosure such as a garage, workshop or similar structure until the morning of pickup; burn barbeque grills clean after each use and store your barbeque indoors (tank removed); take away birdfeeders (including hummingbird feeders); feed pets indoors; ensure compost is well covered with dry material such as shredded newspaper and dry yard waste (grass clippings, leaves etc...) and/or lime. Harvest ripe and fallen fruit/nuts on your property daily.
REPORTING PROCEDURE:
Report all wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk to the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).
Information provided by Christina Brack, Director of Communications Bear Smart BC Society and Crystal McMillan, Executive Director Bear Smart BC Society
For more “Bear Smart” information, questions, concerns or to volunteer please contact:
Dawn Boyce 250-723-2187 [email protected] or Christina Brack 250-723-9200
For more information on the Ministry of Environment Bear Smart Community Program or the Bear Smart BC Society please call: Crystal McMillan at 250-650-9653