Residents advised to follow guidelines to prevent bear encounters and keep wildlife and communities safe.
Now is the time for residents to secure household attractants and ensure bears can find natural food sources as they wake from winter hibernation.
With bears emerging hungry from their dens, the city urges households to adopt Bear Smart practices. Residents should store garbage carts, green carts, and recycling in secure areas inaccessible to wildlife.
Green Cart clips are not bear-proof, and residents should wait until collection day to bring carts and recycling to the curb. Ensure carts and food storage areas remain clean.
Additional best practices for bear safety include keeping pet food indoors, suspending bird feeders, and maintaining clean barbecues.
Unsecured garbage poses a threat to bears if they access these food sources, leading to the habituation and increased risks for both bears and humans.
Mother bears teaching newborn cubs to forage are likely to pass on these habits if the first encounter is with household refuse instead of natural foraging.
To prevent wildlife interactions and ensure safety for pets and people, residents should keep cats inside and dogs on a short leash.
Should an encounter with wildlife occur, remain calm and avoid running. Approach using a low, calm voice while appearing larger, and gradually backing away.
Residents can report wildlife attractants and concerns by calling the City at 604-927-3580 or reporting to the Conservation Officer Service in case of conflicts.
Coquitlam, a Bear Smart community, combines education and enforcement to ensure public safety and wildlife protection.
Learn more about bear safety from official resources provided by Coquitlam.