Conservation Officers are bracing for more black bear complaints following a recent jump in the Errington area. (The Canadian Press)

By Ian Holmes

bear season

Food attractants in focus as black bears wake from winter slumber

Apr 8, 2021 | 5:29 AM

NANAIMO — A recent spike of bear complaints on the mid-Island has the BC Conservation Officer Service preaching a familiar message.

Conservation officer Andrew Riddell told NanaimoNewsNOW several recent complaints of food habituated bears in Errington serves an annual reminder that black bears will be much more visible in the coming weeks.

“Right now they’re certainly waking up, getting active and orientated and searching for an easy meal.”

The majority of Vancouver Island black bears hibernate over the winter, but some remain up year-round grazing for food, Riddell said.

Rural areas near rivers and streams bordering the Oceanside Region, Nanaimo and Ladysmith are home to the most regional bear sightings in the spring, summer and fall seasons.

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Accessible garbage, compost, bird feeders and fruit are often sought out by bears, potentially impacting their ability to survive long-term.

For now, Riddell said conservation officers are taking an educational approach to keeping food attractants away from bears, but cautioned the strategy will change.

“We’re going to be issuing fines, we’re going to be doing our attractant audits and patrols in areas where we know have these problems,” Riddell said.

Conservation officers can issue fines of $230 under the B.C. Wildlife Act to people who don’t properly secure food attractants.

Frustration increased in recent years from local conservation officers due to a lack of compliance in some local areas.

Conflicts involving humans and wildlife reported to the BC Conservation Officer Service can be viewed on an interactive map courtesy of WildSafeBC.

Wildlife sightings in urban areas can be reported to the BC Conservation Officer Service by phoning 1-877-952-7277.

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