Sightings of bears in urban settings, such as this one in a Nanaimo tree in 2020, have been few and far between so far this year. (Stuart Bates)

By Ian Holmes

slow start

Despite ‘really quiet’ start to season, mid-Islanders asked to be bear aware

Apr 25, 2023 | 4:34 PM

NANAIMO — Following consistent reports this time last year, conflicts between humans and bears have evidently dropped substantially in the region this year.

Caitlin Bickford, conservation officer BC Conservation Officer Service, said historically bear sightings increase in the spring and summer months, but said thankfully situations haven’t materialized yet.

“The only one that’s really active now is on Harewood Mines Rd in the City of Nanaimo, but everywhere else it has been really quiet.”

A bear causing issues in Nanaimo’s Bruce Ave. area hasn’t appeared lately, she noted.

Last year at this time saw continuous sightings and problems associated with bears riffling through garbage cans in the Cinnabar Valley/Extension area.

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While this past winter saw reduced bear sightings regionally, Bickford noted Vancouver Island black bears tend to roam year-round, as opposed to more frigid climates where bears opt for winter hibernation.

“There’s quite a few different food sources for bears and unfortunately because of that natural cycle bears also come into town because there’s also a food source there.”

She reminded people to remove any food source which could attract bears, emphasizing garbage bins.

Ideally, she said storing all garbage and recycling bins indoors is best.

“It’s our responsibility to do what we can to prevent the food-conditioning in the first place, I would say that is the first step.”

Tickets of $230 can be issued for people who don’t properly secure food attractants.

Early intervention from Conservation Officers, triggered by calling the RAPP (Report All Poachers and Polluters) line at 1-877-952-7277, is the best chance for a bear to be relocated rather than destroyed.

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

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes