The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is advising Pemberton and other Area C residents take caution after several reports of a black bear entering vehicles and homes in the Reid Road neighbourhood in Owl Creek.
“This behaviour is similar to incidents that occurred in the area last year, which unfortunately led to bears being destroyed due to continued access to attractants,” according to a release from the SLRD.
A handful of Facebook posts on Pemberton’s community forum have also warned of a bear and at least one cub close to the Village’s downtown area.
“The Conservation Officer Service is monitoring the situation closely,” wrote the SLRD. “If the bear continues to access homes and vehicles, a trap will be set in the area.”
In the meantime, the SLRD shared a few tips to help wildlife and residents stay safe:
- Bears can easily open car doors, especially when they’re in pursuit of food or garbage, so keep vehicle doors locked at all times.
- Keep home doors and windows closed and locked when you are not at home.
- Store all garbage and wildlife attractants, like food, garbage, birdseed, and some scented items like soap or toiletries, in wildlife-proof containers. Do not leave them outside.
- Clean barbecues thoroughly after each use and store them securely.
- Use electric fencing around vegetable gardens and chicken coops.
- Harvest fruit from trees and bushes as soon as it is ripe.
The SLRD is working with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) and other conservation groups to manage wildlife across the region. They asked community members to report sightings of bears accessing attractants to the COS at 1-877-952-727.
