Bears continue to be sighted in December

PRINCE GEORGE – Despite it being the first week of December, bears continue to be sighted around Prince George.

The warm winter is playing a big role in that, as El Niño conditions plus general Global Warming has resulted in a relatively snow-free winter for Prince George. Environment Canada’s seven day forecast projects that at least for next week, these warm days will continue.

While the nice temperatures are a factor, it’s not the only thing, according to Conservation Officer Stephanie Peeling. She explained attractants like food in garbage continue to attract bears into the city, and when you combine that with warmer days you have a recipe for more bear sightings.

“Sometimes we do have a few bears that stay in town for prolonged periods of time, but with cold weather they’re triggered to go into den. Usually garbage isn’t a problem when it’s really cold in the winter, but we always recommend people have very good attractant management processes,” she said.