Big increase in urban bear sightings

Last updated Jun 27 2005 11:22 AM PDT
CBC News

CBC NEWS – The number of Lower Mainland bear sightings reported since April is triple what it was at this time last year, say conservation officers.

They've logged more than 1,200 bear complaints in Greater Vancouver this spring.

Officials says most of the bears have been spotted near homes in Port Moody and Coquitlam, as well as on the North Shore.

North Vancouver officer Andy Robinson says there's no one reason for the increase, but notes that not as many bears are being shot.

"We've really tried to work on managing the bear population, and at the same time, educate the community to manage garbage and attractants around residential homes."

Conservation officers say if bears are showing up in a neighbourhood – residents should be sure to keep their garbage inside, bird feeders high out of reach and fruit picked as soon as its ripe.

Scary. :eek:

I saw a bear outside my school a couple weeks ago. The police were there and stuff.

There was a bear near my house a few weeks ago and I live in White Rock.

Could this be a result of the encroachment of urban sprawl on the bear's habitat?

^Most likely.

There are bears in White Rock?????

I guess it walked over Second Narrows!

Could this be a result of the encroachment of urban sprawl on the bear's habitat?

No, it's more that fewer bears are being hunted - so populations are increasing.

Saw some last summer rummaging through my cousin's yard in North Van. They look cute and adorable though. :)

Bear attack 'likely' on North Shore
Residents warned to lock up garbage as sightings increase

Jason Botchford
The Province

July 11, 2005

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A bear attack on a human is inevitable on the North Shore unless residents clean up their act -- and their dirty diapers, warns the chairman of the North Shore Black Bear Network.

The number of bear sightings has risen four-fold this year over last and it's believed more than 55 bears are living in residential areas, dining on chicken bones, pet food and dirty diapers.

"That's their favourite food," said Kevin Bell, chairman of the bear network and a longtime naturalist. "We have to clean up our act. If people were clean, the bears wouldn't be here. We haven't had an attack on a human yet but there is always a first time."

Just last week, two bears found in residential areas had to be shot dead and another three were relocated.

"The numbers are definitely going up," said conservation officer Mike Peters. "We don't want anyone to get hurt. The No. 1 problem is garbage, because garbage will bring bears right to your doorstep."

The District of North Vancouver bear hotline has received 800 calls this year.

Four bears have been killed this year and another 17 have been relocated.

Peters said many bears are being spotted in the City of North Vancouver, far south of the Upper Levels Highway.

"They're coming right down to Main Street," Peters said.

"People have to make sure they properly take care of their diapers," Bell said. "The bears love them. Dogs are not the only ones who like to eat that stuff."

Bell said special bear bins have been put in area parks to secure diapers and other bear favourites.

"It's up to us. If we don't do anything, someone will get hurt," Bell said. "I don't think it's going to be the traditional bear attack. It will be a bear who gets cornered and frightened and pushes someone to get out of its way. It will be that big claw that does the pushing and it will do some serious damage."

jbotchford@png.canwest.com
© The Vancouver Province 2005