As bears enter their fall feeding season, their natural food sources, like berries, are disappearing. This leads them to search for other food, and unfortunately, human-provided attractants like garbage and fruit trees can become easy targets. The City of Port Coquitlam is urging residents to secure their waste and remove attractants to protect both their property and our local bear population.
When bears find food in our neighbourhoods, they quickly become accustomed to it. By taking a few simple steps, you can help keep bears wild and safe.
From late August to November, bears enter a phase known as hyperphagia, where they can consume over 20,000 calories a day. During this period, they are active day and night, foraging for up to 17 hours.
Lock It Right to Avoid a $500 Fine
Protecting your home is the first step in protecting bears. Residents and businesses can help reduce human-bear conflict and avoid a $500 fine by following the City’s garbage regulations.
- Store Carts Securely: Keep your garbage and food scraps in a wildlife-resistant enclosure like a garage or shed.
- Use Your Cart Lock: If you don't have secure storage, you are required to use the City’s wildlife-resistant cart lock or a certified alternative. Instructions for proper use are available at portcoquitlam.ca/lockitright.
- Set Out and Re-secure: Only place carts at the curb between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on collection day and ensure they are re-secured by 7:00 p.m. that evening.
To request a cart lock or to request the additional third arm for added security, contact Public Works at [email protected] or 604-927-5496.
Additional Measures to Keep Bears Wild
- Harvest fruit and vegetables as they ripen, and clean up any fallen fruit.
- Remove bird feeders from April to November, or suspend them higher than 3.3 meters.
- Feed pets indoors and clean barbecues after use.
- Avoid storing strong-smelling garbage or scented products outdoors.
Bear Aware Information Session
To help residents learn more about coexisting with our wild neighbours, the City is hosting a Bear Aware Information Session on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Outlet (#110 - 2248 McAllister Avenue). These sessions are always very popular, and residents learn lots of practical tips. City staff will be on hand to answer frequently asked questions during the session. To attend this free presentation, please register online at portcoquitlam.ca/bears.
Report a Bear Sighting
If you see a bear in a park, on a trail, or in a residential area, please report the sighting to the Provincial Conservation Officer Service's 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-877-952-RAPP or at rapp.bc.ca.
