It's almost the time of year where bears decide to take their winter naps and the City of Prince George is reminding residents that they'll be searching for more food in the coming weeks.
Specifically, residents are being reminded to make sure garbage cans are secure and also get rid of other food sources that bears would find attractive as a pre-nap meal.
The city points to food sources such as garbage, fruit or birdseed.
In Prince George, the city says there is an average of 35 bears that are destroyed each year which is the highest number in any B.C. community. They add the geographic location of the city between two rivers and surrounded by forests that make it an ideal habitat for bears.
The city gives the following five rules to keep bears from visiting:
- Secure your garbage cart in a shed or garage where possible or use a flat hook cam strap to lock your cart
- Set your garbage cart at the curb only between 4 a.m. and 7 p.m. on curbside collection days. Find the collection schedule or subscribe to receive alerts
- Avoid growing fruit-bearing trees or plants on your property and remove any ripe fruit and vegetables
- Feed pets indoors and remove bird feeders during the spring to autumn months
- Regularly clean your barbeque, specifically the grease trap
Bylaw officers can fine any residents not obeying these rules up to $300.
