Bylaw and COs join forces

Apr 22, 2026 | 2:52 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – With spring arriving in Prince George, conservation officers and city bylaw staff are getting ready to talk about bears.

Inspector Eamon McArthur of the Conservation Officer Service is asking residents to secure anything that might attract bears before problems arise. “The bears are going to start waking up,” McArthur said. He added that the service hopes to see as few bear conflicts as possible this season.

This year, the Conservation Officer Service and the City of Prince George Bylaw have formed an official partnership. The two groups have already met several times to plan their roles. Bylaw Manager Kent MacNeill says his team will address complaints about garbage and other attractants, while conservation officers will focus on bears that pose a “category one” threat, meaning there is an immediate risk to public safety.

MacNeill explains that bylaw officers always begin by educating residents, but this only goes so far. The city gave out several dozen tickets last year, and even more in 2023. To follow up on a complaint, his team needs clear evidence, such as photos, doorbell camera footage, or a witness statement. “We can’t go on hearsay or anecdotal information,” MacNeill said.

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McArthur makes it clear that merely seeing a bear in the city does not automatically constitute a public safety emergency. However, he encourages residents to call if they are unsure. “Call our report line and let our trained officers make that decision,” he said.

British Columbia has about a quarter of Canada’s black bears and half of its grizzly bears. Because there are so many bears, the best way for residents to keep them out of town and safe is to secure anything that might attract them, like garbage, compost, or anything with a strong smell.

You can reach the Conservation Officer Service report line anywhere in the province at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP).

by Dave Branco

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Bylaw and COs join forces

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