Nanaimo-area residents are being reminded to deter hungry bears by putting their garbage bins out only on collection day — not the night before.
Leave the bin out all night and a bear could get into your waste, which not only creates a threat to humans but also puts the bear’s life at risk.
“Every year in our province, hundreds of bears are destroyed due to human-wildlife conflicts,” says a joint statement Thursday from the city of Nanaimo, Regional District of Nanaimo, and B.C. Conservation’s central island zone.
Garbage problems lead to half the bear-related problem calls made to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service. Bears that are used to digging into human garbage lose their fear of people. The animals are also lured by bird seed, fruit trees, pet food and livestock.
Local bylaws prohibit leaving garbage bins out overnight. A $230 fine can be imposed by the province if someone leaves out attractants accessible to dangerous wildlife, the statement said.
The sooner a conservation officer can move to stop bears becoming used to raiding garbage bins, the better.
“Too often people wait until the bear’s behaviour has escalated to the level of being a public safety risk, usually ending with the bear needing to be euthanized,” said conservation officer Caitlin Bickford.
BE BEAR AWARE
Keep garbage secured on non-collection days:
• Do not set garbage bins out the night before collection day.
• Put bins out at the curb between 5 and 8 a.m. on collection day.
• Remove carts from the curb once empty.
• Store carts in a secured location such as a garage or shed, especially if you live near wildlife habitat.
To reduce odours:
• Wrap smelly food in newspaper and freeze until collection day.
• Use vinegar and/or baking soda to naturally eliminate odours.
• Periodically rinse bins with soapy water.
If you see dangerous wildlife in your neighbourhood, call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) or #7277 on the Telus Mobility Network.
