The City of Prince George is raising concerns about the number of reports of wild animals attracted to garbage, fruit and other food sources in the city.
As of Tuesday morning, the BC Conservation Officer Service reported 64 incidents involving food-conditioned animals in the city this month. Of those 64 reports, 62 involved black bears, while there was one incident involving a fox and one involving a coyote.
A searchable map of wildlife sightings is available online at https://warp.wildsafebc.com/warp/.
The city is advising residents to take the following measures to avoid attracting bears or other animals to food sources on your property:
• Set your garbage can out on the curb after 4 a.m. on collection day, and remove it from the curb by 7 p.m. Residents can face a fine of up to $300 for leaving their garbage cans on the curb outside these hours.
• Lock your garbage can in an enclosed structure like a garage or shed, where possible. Secure your garbage cart with a locking mechanism.
• Keeps pets on leashes at all times along pet-friendly trails. Bears can become aggressive if they encounter dogs.
• Avoid growing fruit-bearing trees or plants on your property. If you do have fruit-bearing trees or plants, harvest fruit and vegetables as soon as they are ripe.
• Feed pets indoors and remove bird feeders between spring and autumn.
For more information, go online to princegeorge.ca/wildlife.
