Bear complaint calls rise in Oceanside, fall in Nanaimo
NANAIMO — Conflicts between humans and black bears are down a bit on the mid-island this year, but reports have suddenly surged in the Oceanside area.
Stuart Bates, acting Sgt. for the central island for the BC Conservation Officer Service, told NanaimoNewsNOW there have been several reports recently of bears on the prowl for unnatural food sources in rural areas of Oceanside.
“We have several bears in the Errington area, a few have developed a taste for chickens,” Bates said. “We’ve directed those farmers on how to provide electric fencing and how to store feeds more securely.”
Bates said besides feasting on chickens, garbage and compost bins are popular bear-fare in Oceanside. He said bear traps have been set up in Errington, Whiskey Creek and Qualicum Beach.