Port Coquitlam residents are being urged to secure their waste and remove any attractants as bears enter their fall feeding mode in preparation for hibernation. The City has observed an increase in bear activity, especially with the end of berry season, which has led bears to seek out garbage and fruit trees as easy food sources.
From late August to November, bears enter a phase known as hyperphagia, where they consume over 20,000 calories per day. During this period, bears remain active both day and night, often foraging for up to 17 hours. Once a bear finds food in a garbage cart, it quickly learns to return and may even teach its cubs to do the same.
Bear Aware, Trash Talk and More Information Session
The City is hosting a Bear Aware Information Session on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) - JB Young Room. The session will offer residents practical tips on managing bear attractants and responding safely to bear encounters. The session will also include a Q&A period where City staff and Bylaw officers will address residents' questions. Registration is required online at portcoquitlam.ca/bears.
Lock It Right
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 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. If a garage or shed is not an option, secure the cart in an upright position by strapping it to a tree, post, fence or other stable structure. Instructions for proper lock use are available at portcoquitlam.ca/lockitright.
Residents who would like to request the additional third arm for added security or to be placed on a waitlist for a lock can contact Public Works at [email protected] or by phone at 604-927-5496.
The best protection against bears is to physically keep waste and other attractants out of reach by taking these additional measures:
- Storing carts in a garage if possible.
- Freezing meat and strong-smelling food scraps, and only placing them in the green cart on collection day.
- Feeding pets indoors, cleaning barbecues after use, and keeping freezers indoors or locked up.
- Avoiding the storage of strong-smelling garbage or scented products outdoors.
- Harvesting fruit and vegetables as they ripen and cleaning up any fallen fruit.
- Removing bird feeders from April to November, or suspending them higher than 3.3 metres.
- Blocking access to small animals and berry bushes.
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 rapp.bc.ca.
For more information about being bear aware visit portcoquitlam.ca/bears or call 604.927.5496. The City also offers educational presentations through its Ambassadors, which can be requested at portcoquitlam.ca/ambassadors.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]