Image Credit: Joe Postnikoff

By Adam Berls

bears

Bears, bears and more bears

Aug 4, 2023 | 2:21 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Bears have seemingly been seen everywhere in Prince George recently. From the Hart, Spruceland, College Heights and even into the bowl downtown. Bears have been spotted everywhere within city limits.

“I’m hearing from a lot of citizens, both whether it’s, you know, just in conversation at the store. I’m seeing a lot on social media, whether it’s on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram, photos and videos of bears. Typically in areas of town that you may not normally anticipate seeing a bear, especially during busier times. It is a much busier bear season and earlier on than perhaps we’re normally used to.” – Councillor Tim Bennett, City of Prince George

During Wednesday’s wildfire and drought update from the province, Minister Bowinn Ma mentioned the impacts that wildfire and droughts are having on wildlife, including bears.

“Our wildlife is also being impacted. Warmer environments due to climate change have prolonged life span of moths that feed on Hemlocks and Douglas Firs, allowing them to inflict a more severe impact on local trees. I’m hearing of stories of bears wandering into communities looking for food because of the drought’s impact on berry crops. These impacts are real and substantial and we’re having to put in restrictions to protect our waterways and ecosystems.” – Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

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This map from the BC Conservation Foundation, shows how many bear sightings have been reported in Prince George and the surrounding area between July 28 and today.

Image Credit: BC Conservation Foundation

If you are outside and spot a bear, do not approach the bear, and make a wide detour around it’s area, or head in the opposite direction. Do not run, but slowly back away until out of sight. For more information on how to be bear aware, the city of Prince George has a section on its website devoted to that.

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Twitter: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com