Bear prep already underway

In the spring of 2019, the City launched a pilot program to test bear-resistant garbage cans. Three hundred cans were tried at home in the Hart Highlands. The program wrapped up in 2022 and the City ultimately decided not to expand it due to logistical issues with the cans, particularly in the winter.

Recent efforts to expand that program was rejected during the budget process.

Also, the Bear Smart program is in limbo. It means the City and the BCCOS will have to go it alone.

“I certainly intend to lean on Bear Aware heavily this year, especially, you know, to talk about sort of our strategy collectively on how we can manage the bear issue,” says Kent MacNeill, Manager of Bylaw Services for the City. “. We don’t know what sort of weather we’re expecting again this year. If we have another year similar to 2023, you know, we could see a lot of bear human interaction.”

While education is the priority first and foremost, enforcement is also part of the job of the BC Conservation Officer Service will also be enforcement of the rules, especially when it comes to bear attractants.

“We are constantly working with Prince George City Bylaw Services and enforcement is an aspect to this. But what we want is we want voluntary compliance through the public. And if we can, through these media releases and providing that education to the public, we are hoping to gain that compliance before it comes to an enforcement measure.”

In the meantime, City Bylaw Services and the BCCOS are waiting to see what this spring and summer will bring for bear interactions

by Cheryl Jahn

Bear prep already underway

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