In Fort Nelson, B.C., a black bear was euthanized on August 19 by the B.C. Conservation Officer Service following multiple reports of the bear rummaging through garbage cans in residential areas. Rogan Thin, a conservation officer overseeing the Peace and Northern Rockies region, explained that the bear, a male, was habituated to human food and showed no fear of people.
Reports of bears accessing garbage and fruit trees have been consistent, according to Thin. The main concern raised by the public is the presence of bears in neighborhoods, with garbage being the primary attractant cited in most incidents.
Thin emphasized that public safety is their top priority, especially as bears are preparing for winter hibernation. To mitigate human-bear conflicts, residents are advised to eliminate attractants such as pet food, fallen fruits, and unsecured garbage bins.
Carmella Louis, a long-time resident of Fort Nelson, launched a petition advocating for mandatory bear-proofing measures and stricter attractant management guidelines. Louis expressed concern about the bears losing their fear of humans and the potential risks this poses, particularly for children in the community.
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) already has bylaws in place mandating residents to secure both garbage and compost to prevent wildlife access. Mayor Rob Fraser urged residents to report aggressive bear behavior and ensure their garbage containers are properly sealed, suggesting the use of the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line if needed.
Fraser mentioned a volunteer group offering assistance in picking fruit to help residents remove attractants. The NRRM has a wildlife conflict coordinator and implemented a bear management plan in August 2022. While the municipality does not provide bear-resistant bins, some residents have acquired them to deter bear interactions.
Thin recommended the use of bear-resistant garbage bins equipped with metal skirting and secure clamps to deter bears from accessing them. Residents are encouraged to take proactive measures to reduce human-bear conflicts in the community.
