Bear advisory committee starts work
PRINCE GEORGE — Here in Prince George, we are all too familiar with the presence of bears in our parks and in our backyards. Prince George’s Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness held their second meeting at the end of July and one item discussed was the potential of a Bear Smart program.
Nicole Botten, President of the Northern Bear Awareness Society, says over the years the city has made progress on becoming a bear smart community, by among other things, changing garbage cans in all community parks from just barrel cans with a swing top, to bear resistent garbage cans. Bear smart bylaws have also been implemented, including one which relates to not leaving garbage out at night, the day before garbage collection.
The committee’s work will last four months. Members of the committee are expected to meet regularly during its term and to engage in research and information gathering activities to best inform the committee’s recommendations to Council. The goal of the committee is to increase bear awareness and promote both public and bear safety.