Poorly stored household garbage and non-bear proof commercial waste containers in Kitimat are again responsible for the destruction of six bears in the last two months.
Conservation Officer Service’s Sgt Tracy Walbauer said COS had responded to 39 complaints of nuisance bears in May and June in Kitimat.
“The RCMP dispatched a grizzly a week ago that was feeding consistently on garbage in Kitimat. We attended to assist,” said Walbauer. “On Sunday, July 1, the RCMP dispatched a sow with three cubs that had been feeding on garbage on Baxter Street for a couple days.”
He said COS had warned a number of residents about poorly stored household waste, residents who then rectified the situation, avoiding hefty fines.
“Residential garbage is being poorly managed by some residents in Kitimat and we plan to step up enforcement and charge those who are in violation,” said Walbauer.
He said a pack of wolves that were frequenting the landfill also had to be destroyed.
“Wolves at the landfill had surrounded the attendant a couple times so we attended and dispatched the wolves that were showing no fear of people,” said Wallbauer.
District of Kitimat spokesperson Mike Dewar said the district has stepped up enforcement as well, conducting patrols for household garbage being left curbside too early.
“Warnings were given to some Kitimat residents who had put their garbage out before 4 a.m. on the day of garbage pick-up,” said Dewar. “However, tickets were not issued as the warned households stopped putting their garbage out too early.”
He said the DoK would continue to conduct further patrols looking for poorly managed garbage.
“Tickets will be issued to households, businesses and landlords who are not managing their household, multi-family, and commercial garbage according to District bylaws. Beyond looking for garbage being put curbside too early, these patrols will also look for garbage that is being improperly stored,” said Dewar.
He urged residents to keep their garbage inside a secure enclosed area such as a house, garage, shed, or a fully secured dumpster, until the morning of garbage collection.
He said the DoK would also be conducting a door-to-door education campaign focused on households located near a greenbelt.
“The campaign will be conducted with the intention of informing residents how to manage and eliminate bear attractants in our community.
“This targeted education campaign will complement the broader community education campaign that the District has been conducting since first reports of bear sitings in and around our community this spring.
He said the DoK would also be using its newsletter, the Northern Sentinel, the DoK website and social media outlets to publish information on how to avoid attracting bears into residential and commercial areas.
Other simple guidelines residents can follow to avoid attracting bears into their yards include:
* not putting garbage out until collection day
* mowing lawns regularly, especially to remove clover, a firm favourite with bears
* managing compost properly
* cleaning barbeques after each use
* removing bird feeders from their yards during bear season
* managing fruit trees by regularly picking ripe fruit
* feeding pets indoors
* disposing of fish waste properly
* educating friends and neighbours