Multiple bear reports are being made to the BC Conservation Officer service from the Cinnabar Valley and Extension neighbourhoods, south of Nanaimo, in recent weeks. (Dreamstime)

By Ian Holmes

bear sightings

Several black bears roaming Cinnabar Valley and Extension neighbourhoods

Apr 20, 2022 | 3:00 PM

NANAIMO — Numerous reports of human food conditioned bears in rural south Nanaimo have been made to the BC Conservation Officer Service over the past several weeks.

Caitlin Bickford with the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) said multiple reports of bears riffling through knocked over garbage cans over the past month were reported in Cinnabar Valley and the Extension area.

“It’s our responsibility to make sure we’re securing our attractants, either in a shed or garage. The bears are definitely going after the garbage cans and making messes everywhere,” the conservation officer told NanaimoNewsNOW.

She said it’s unclear how many bears have been visible in the area lately, theorizing they could be from the same family.

Four bear sightings in the Cinnabar Valley/Extension area made to the BCCOS on Wednesday, April 20, by mid-afternoon.

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Bickford said it’s concerning to have numerous daytime black bear sightings in the same general area, adding most of the issues appear to be in Cinnabar Valley.

She noted most regional black bears go to sleep a few weeks at a time, but don’t have extended bouts of hibernation.

“They’re generally awake all-year round on Vancouver Island just because of our climate and availability of a food source.”

If people come in close contact with a bear, Bickford recommended they make themselves look big, make lots of noise and and slowly back away.

Tickets of $230 can be issued for people who don’t properly secure food attractants, however Bickford said the approach inCinnabar Valley-Extension is on education for the time being.

Bear sightings are by no means uncommon in the Chase River and elsewhere, with call volumes surging throughout the mid-Island region last year.

Notable conflicts between humans and wildlife should be reported to the BCCOS immediately at 1-877-952-7277.

The province has information posted online regarding staying safe around various forms of wildlife.

— with files from Jordan Davidson

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes