With spring just around the corner, British Columbians are shedding their winter coats and getting outside more. It’s also the time of year when bears and other animals, such as cougars and coyotes, become more active - increasing the chance of human-wildlife interactions.

People can do their part to reduce the chances of human-wildlife conflict. The most effective and natural way to prevent conflicts with wildlife in urban areas is to put away garbage, birdseed, compost, pet food and to keep fruit from trees off the ground.

Bears emerging from hibernation are looking for food and helping themselves to anything they can find. This food-conditioned behaviour increases potential conflicts with people. Whether it’s a dirty barbecue or food scraps in composts, bears only need to locate food once to develop a feeding pattern of returning to an area.

Other animals, such as young cougars, roam wide in search of unoccupied territory, increasing their chances of wandering into residential communities, parks and campgrounds. Coyote pups are born in the spring and by July are attempting to hunt on their own.

Communities where attractants are managed properly have less human-wildlife conflicts and fewer animals destroyed.

For advice on reducing conflicts with wildlife visit the WildSafeBC website at: www.wildsafebc.com

The public should report all human-wildlife conflicts that threaten public safety or result in significant property damage by calling the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line, toll-free at 1 877 952-7277 (RAPP), or visit the RAPP website at: www.rapp.bc.ca

Quick Facts:

• It’s important to know what to do when you encounter wildlife in urban areas.
  • Do not provide food to wildlife.
  • Remain calm and never approach the animal.
  • Always keep the animal in front of you (never turn your back) and back away slowly (never run).
  • Keep children and pets close or pick them up. If possible, bring children and pets indoors.
• If the animal appears interested in you or approaches:
  • Make yourself look as large as possible by waving your arms above your head.
  • Make loud noises, shout at the animal in a loud, aggressive voice or bang pots and pans and throw objects like rocks and sticks.
• Under the Wildlife Act, conservation officers can issue a $230 ticket or notice for a court appearance to residents who do not secure attractants. Residents who leave items out that attract dangerous wildlife could also be issued a Dangerous Wildlife Protection Order. Failure to comply with an order carries a $575 fine.
• In 2014-15, the Conservation Officer Service received approximately 28,534 calls regarding human-wildlife conflicts. Of those calls, 17,614 involved human-bear conflicts.
• Relocating wildlife is neither viable nor a long-term solution to managing these kinds of conflicts. When wildlife is relocated, it most often returns to conflict situations, or it does not survive as it has to compete with already established populations.

Learn More:

For more information on preventing conflicts with wildlife, visit: www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/info/wildlife_human_interaction

Predator statistics for black bears, grizzly bears and cougars are updated monthly at: www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/info/wildlife_human_interaction/predator-conflicts.html

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834