With reports of bear sightings, the City of Port Coquitlam is advising residents to secure their garbage and other attractants to help keep bears out of neighbourhoods.

Residents and businesses can do their part by following the City’s garbage regulations and avoid a $150 fine:

• LOCK IT UP – secure garbage and food scraps in either a wildlife-resistant enclosure (e.g. garage or shed) or by using the City’s wildlife resistant cart lock or a lock certified by the BC Conservation Foundation.
• SET IT OUT – cart set-out times are between 5:30-7:30 a.m. on collection day and re-secure your carts by 7 p.m.

Residents who have not received a lock in the past can request one by contacting the City’s Public Works Division at publicworks@portcoquitlam.ca.

As the locks are wildlife resistant and not bear-proof, the City advises residents and businesses to:

• Lock carts, even when empty, except on collection day.
• Freeze meat and strong-smelling food scraps, and wait until collection day to put them into the green cart.
• Feed pets indoors, clean barbecues after use and keep freezers indoors or locked up.
• Don’t store strong-smelling garbage (diapers, grease barrels) or scented products (pop cans, toothpaste tubes, hairspray, mouthwash, etc.) outside.
• Harvest fruit, berries and vegetables before or as they ripen, and clean up fallen fruit.
• Remove bird feeders from April to November, or suspend them higher than 3.3 m.
• Prevent access to small animals (chickens, rabbits) and berry bushes.
• Ensure the City cart lock is used correctly. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/lock for instructions on how to use.

Bears are food driven and are feeding on natural and unnatural food sources including bird feeders, suet, chickens, rabbits and garbage. After bears find a meal once in a garbage cart, they quickly learn to check all the homes on a street and teach their cubs to do the same. These “garbage bears” lose their natural fear of humans and often become aggressive over time, forcing the Conservation Office to destroy or remove them. Relocating bears often doesn’t work as 50 per cent of relocated bears find their way back.

Residents who encounter a bear on local walking trails and in parks or on the streets or in backyards are advised to report the sightings to the Provincial Conservation Officer Service 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-877-952-RAPP or at www.rapp.bc.ca.

Be Cautious on the Trails: 

• Travel with someone else or a group.
• Be alert where bears may not be able to see, hear, or smell you.
• Avoid wearing strong perfumes.
• Make noise (talk loudly, clap or sing) to let the bear know you are there.
• Keep children close at all times – don’t let them wander ahead or lag behind.
• Avoid wearing headphones while walking or jogging, especially if alone.
• Watch for fresh bear signs (droppings, tracks, scratches on trees, overturned boulders, or smashed logs).
• Keep your dog on a leash at all times.
• Never approach a bear – maintain a distance of at least 100 metres.
• Bear spray can be an effective deterrent when used properly.

The City’s Ambassador is available throughout the year to help residents at upcoming community events (e.g. May Days, Port Coquitlam Farmers Market), pop-up displays around the city, through neighbourhood door-knocking, block parties and presentations. Residents can ask a question, request resources or a presentation for a group or school at www.portcoquitlam.ca/ambassadors or follow the Ambassadors on the City’s social media channels.

For more information about being bear smart or the City’s garbage regulations, visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/bears or call 604.927.5496. 

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Paula Jones
Manager of Bylaw Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604-927-5242
Email jonesp@portcoquitlam.ca