Bears and garbage worry mobile home park residents

“They come at night when it’s dark because they don’t want to be seen,” she said. “You can ask anyone in the park. They’ve all seen them.”

Melbourne says the park owner hasn’t emptied the garbage bins because he hasn’t paid his bill. She believes the buildup is causing health problems for people living there.

She says her neighbours face another problem.

“Many of them do not drive, so they can’t take their garbage to the drop-off sites,” Melbourne said. “And many of us can’t afford to collect and move the garbage ourselves.”

She says people have stopped using the overflowing bins. She and her husband now keep their garbage in their vehicle and in a wooden box they made.

Melbourne also worries about the bears. She fears that if officials shoot a mother bear, her cubs will be left to starve.

“I have an issue with that because I love animals,” she said.

Dave Bakker, director of the Northern Bear Awareness Society, says bears come closer to people in autumn. By September, their natural food is gone, so they look for garbage and fruit trees instead.

“That brings them into our neighbourhoods, which raises the concern of a surprise encounter or defensive behaviour on the part of a bear,” Bakker said.

Bakker says garbage also affects how bears get ready for winter. It keeps their metabolism active and makes them search for food longer.

“We’re interrupting the natural cycle when they should be slowing down,” he said.

The City of Prince George says bear sightings are rising. In a September 29 news release, the city said its bylaw division has already handled more than 160 wildlife attractant complaints in 2026.

The city says people can be fined $300 for leaving things like fruit, bird feeders, or garbage where bears or other wildlife can get to them. Garbage cans are only allowed at the curb from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. on collection day. If you break this rule, you can be fined $100.

The city says property owners, renters, and guests in short-term rentals can all be fined. Rental property owners must make sure their tenants know the rules.

The city says people should call the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 to report a bear conflict or an aggressive bear. If there is an immediate threat, call 911. To report bylaw violations, call 311 or use the City of PG mobile app.

Melbourne thinks everyone in the park should help with the cleanup.

“Everybody in the park should do it. Not just me. Not just my husband,” she said.

She says leaving the park is not an option. Melbourne says rent in Prince George keeps going up, and she cannot afford to move anywhere else.

by Dave Branco

Bears and garbage worry mobile home park residents

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