There are many scandalous topics in the news right now but let me address one that really has my knickers in a knot and it's happening right here in Prince George.
We are privileged to live and share this community with large amounts of wildlife.
Our parks department have gone to great lengths to provide spaces to welcome us all.
Ginter's is a perfect example of a greenspace that is supposed to be shared for all of us two and four legged creatures to enjoy.
Please tell me why there is, once again, a baited bear trap in Ginter's at Webber and 22nd Street?
When the bear is captured how many folks understand that that bear will be euthanized?
The process is simple, trap and destroy.
Sound a bit harsh?
Facts often do.
It doesn't have to happen. Our conservation officers do not, for one minute, enjoy this part of their job. It certainly is no fault of theirs that they are even put into this position.
So whose fault is it? Why does this keep happening? It is almost too simple!
A fed bear is a dead bear. But who is feeding these bears? Easy. The citizens of Prince George who are sharing bear habitat and leave their garbage and other bear attractants readily available to them.
Garbage containers must be kept in a secured area like a garage or shed. If you leave your smelly trash can outside, you are inviting visitors. If you had a BBQ, make sure you clean it as bears are attracted to smells. If you are putting smelly tin foils, paper plates and discarded foods into your garbage, you can get uninvited guests. The garbage collection bylaw states that garbage must not be put out before 4 a.m. of the pickup day.
Bears do not forget where they find their food sources. They have an unbelievable sense of smell. Last year, four bears were euthanized within two weeks at Webber and 22nd near Ginter's. That neighborhood has been warned many times, yet two homes continue to leave trash out. Why not just post a sign on your front lawn admitting that you like dead bears? The truth can hurt.
We truly are blessed to live in an area where we do get to view such majestic creatures. When we look to find a place to call home we should carefully check out the areas. Part of the attraction for two legged visitors and home owners are the vast outdoors.
Not all bears are problem bears. You might run into one here and there. For the most part they do not want an encounter with you. It is the ones that are attracted by your neighbors who don't get it.
If you have fruit trees, pick them as soon as you can. Feed the dog inside.
There is plenty of food for birds right now so save the seeds for when they need it. Keep the feeders inside.
Dave Bakker of Northern Bear Aware Society is always out offering easy tips on how to live safely with bears. It is basic common sense.
Come on folks, wake up.
Enjoy but most of all respect where you are fortunate to live and share the space with others.
