Ready, set, and…. GO make sure your garbage is inside!

Yes, the bears are back in town. Do you know how to be a good neigh-BEAR? I thought so! But from time to time we all could use a refresher on how to Get Bear Smart.

These are the top 10 things you need to do in order to qualify as a good neigh-BEAR:

1. Garbage. We all got it. Make sure it is stored where bears can’t access it. If you live in town and have those fancy new bins for curbside pickup – they have to be properly secured 24/7. Take your trash to the compactor site regularly.
2. Recycling. Yes! Recycling is a bear attractant too. Bears will actually rip apart cars in order to lick empty beer cans! Store your recycling where bears can’t access it.
3. Compost. Properly maintaining your compost reduces the likelihood of attracting a bear. Make sure to turn your compost over regularly. Do not add any meat, dairy or grains and keep the proper ratio of “greens” to “browns” (1:4). Add lime if your compost is smelly.
4. Barbeques. Burn your barbeque clean and wash it immediately after each use, removing all grease and food residues. Don’t forget to clean out grease in the drip can or grease tray after every use!
5. Fruits and Berries. Pick you fruit and berries as they ripen and don’t let it accumulate on the ground. Trim back overproducing trees. If your trees are attracting bears and you don’t have a use for the fruit, consider removing the tree or donating the fruit to a good home. Consider electric fencing. This is a big issue in our area.
6. Veggie Gardens. Don’t use fish fertilizers. If you use blood and bone, till your soil well after you apply it. Keep your produce picked.
7. Wildlife on the Road Do you know what to do if you see a bear or any wildlife on the side of the road? First of all….Do not stop to feed or view wildlife. It creates a bear jam and it’s a $109 fine to block traffic. Do not honk. Doing so could startle the bear into traffic, or distract another driver from driving safely. Watch out for bears crossing the highway – especially young cubs trailing behind their mother. Be careful at night when big dark lumbering bears are hardest to see.
8. Bird Feeders. Did you know that one pound of seed from a bird feeder provides a whopping 1750 calories? Often times, it slips our mind to take bird feeders down in the spring before hungry bears emerge from the den (hint, hint.. nudge, nudge!). Bears feed off fallen seed, or simply rip the feeders right off the supports to get the goods. If you really want to feed birds while bears are active from March to December you will need a bear-proof bird feeder and you will need to clean spillage frequently.
9. Mark YOUR territory While we want our communities to be porous to bears, we don’t want them hanging around in our backyards. It is here where they get killed due to public safety concerns. If a bear is hanging around, and it is safe to do so, make loud noises. Bang together some pots and pans. Stand up straight, make yourself look dominant, and use a very stern voice. Always ensure the bear has a safe escape route and you are not moving the bear towards people.
10. Now…...the true test! Inspire your friends and neighbours to do the same!

So why does all or any of this matter?

These simple actions save bears lives. Period.

Because bears that are lured into urban areas by our “stuff” become food-conditioned and run a higher risk of experiencing what we call human-bear conflict. These bears are often killed by Conservation Officer Services due to public safety concerns.

So, are you gambling with a bear’s life? Make the changes. It doesn’t have to be hard, it just has to be part of your daily actions.

For more information on how to coexist with bears, please visit www.bearsmart.com

Photo credit: www.bearsmart.com