Spring has sprung, bringing along more frequent bear sightings within Port Coquitlam neighbourhoods. As more residents venture out to parks and trails to enjoy these green spaces, the City is reminding residents to remain vigilant and be mindful of their surroundings as one may encounter a bear.
Be Cautious on the Trails
With the arrival of better weather, residents and visitors will be out exploring parks and trails and should be well-prepared and mindful of the environment. Here are a few tips on how one can avoid interactions and possible conflicts, as well as what to do if you are faced with one:
- Travel with someone else or in a group.
- Be alert where bears may not be able to see, hear, or smell you.
- Make noise (talk loudly, clap, sing, or carry a bear bell) to let the bear know you are there.
- Keep children close and dogs on a leash at all times.
- Watch for fresh bear signs (droppings, tracks, scratches on trees, overturned boulders, or smashed logs).
- Never approach a bear - maintain a distance of at least 100 metres.
- Do not run. Remain calm. Face towards the bear and back away slowly with your arms above your head to appear bigger and speak in a low, calm voice.
The City will be offering a free information session to help residents manage their attractants and more on Wed., May 15 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) - JB Young Room. Participants will learn how to keep bears and their homes safe, learn practical and effective tips for managing bear attractants and responding to bear encounters safely. Attendees can share questions to be answered by City staff and Bylaws during Q&A period. Register online at portcoquitlam.ca/bears. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Residents and businesses are also reminded to take proactive measures by securely storing their waste and promptly removing any other potential attractants.
Bylaw Services staff are working with the Provincial Conservation Office to track bear activity and conduct proactive joint enforcement. The City's Ambassador is out in the community performing waste cart audits to ensure residents and businesses are securing their waste and removing other wildlife attractants.
Residents and businesses can do their part and avoid a $500 fine by following the City's garbage regulations:
- SECURE garbage and food scraps in either a wildlife-resistant enclosure (e.g. garage or shed) or by securing carts upright and using the City's wildlife-resistant cart lock\
- SET OUT carts between 5:30-7:30 a.m. on collection day and re-secure your carts by 7 pm.
Properties without secure storage space for carts are required to use a City cart lock, or certified alternative, at all times except for the day of collection. Instructions for proper lock use are available at portcoquitlam.ca/lockitright.
Residents who would like to order a lock or request the additional third arm for added security, please contact Public Works at [email protected] or by phone at 604-927-5496.
Residents can report unsecured wildlife attractants in their neighbourhood at portcoquitlam.ca/report, using the Sort & Report App or by calling 604-927-3111. The public is also advised to call the Provincial Conservation Officer Service 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-877-952-RAPP or at rapp.bc.ca if they witness an aggressive or threatening bear or if there is a conflict that threatens public safety.
For more information about regulations and resources, visit portcoquitlam.ca/bears or call 604.927.5496.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]