Fish & Wildlife asking the public to help deter bears from local communities

As winter fast approaches, Alberta Fish and Wildlife is asking people to take steps to reduce attracting bears.

Fish and Wildlife says that at this time of year, bears are searching for high-calorie foods to prepare for hibernation, and this can bring them closer to residential areas, farms and campsites.

Fish and Wildlife suggests:

• Keep your garbage and recyclable bottles and cans in bear-resistant, airtight containers.
• Keep your compost indoors. Outdoor compost attracts bears. Look into using an indoor composter.
• Remove bird feeders from your yard in the months when bears are active – usually from the beginning of April until the end of November. Be sure to clean up any spilled bird seed from the ground.
• Clean your barbecues. Scrub your barbecue clean after each use and store it in a bear-resistant building, such as the garage or shed.
• Consider removing fruit trees and berry-producing bushes from your property. Bears are attracted to the fruit and berries. If you must keep the trees, pick the ripening fruit as early as possible and store them in secure, airtight containers.
• Never leave food out for wildlife.
• Talk to your neighbours. Let your neighbours know if you’ve seen a bear in the community, and talk to them about being BearSmart at home.
• Call Fish and Wildlife for more advice. Find your nearest Fish and Wildlife office by calling 310-0000.

  More information on bear safety can be found on the province’s website.