By Ian Holmes

Bear calls picking up on mid-island: conservation officer

Sep 19, 2016 | 9:42 AM

NANAIMO — Conservation officers report an increase in problem black bears across the mid-island region.

Sgt. Ben York of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service says calls of bears relying on humans to fatten up ahead of winter hibernation are increasing.

“We’re usually looking at right about now until middle of November, typically our worst season, but we can have conflict behaviour all the way into December and January,” says York.

He says food sources, which include garbage, should be locked up to prevent bears from relying on humans for their meals.

“Just a reminder to folks to keep anything a bear might be interested in, keep it inside or well locked up so that a bear can’t get into trouble.”

Making an impact

Nanaimo woman publishes books to open awareness of neurodiverse children

4h ago

iconic voice

Legendary hockey broadcaster Bob Cole, a welcome voice for a half-century, dead at 90

11h ago

first response

New staffing model on Gabriola Island hires local paramedics for enhanced patient care

16h ago

He says bears aren’t picky when it comes to food, noting that garbage, fruit and bird feeders consistently draw black bears to urban settings.

Conflicts that threaten human safety should be reported to 1-877-952-7277.