As bears across northern BC enter hyperphagia — a fall feeding frenzy to build fat for hibernation — officials are urging the public to stay alert and reduce attractants around homes and campsites.
Bears have an incredible sense of smell and will seek out garbage, ripe fruit, compost, and pet food. To reduce encounters, store garbage in secure sheds or indoors and only place bins outside on collection mornings. Pick fruit trees daily, clean barbecues thoroughly, and remove bird feeders until winter. Pet food should be stored and served indoors.
For those hiking or camping in bear country, make noise to avoid surprising a bear, travel in groups, and carry bear spray in an accessible spot. Pets should always be leashed, and earbuds avoided to stay alert to signs of bear activity.
In a bear encounter, back away slowly and stay calm. In rare predatory attacks, fight back using whatever you have.
Bear sightings in towns or residential areas should be reported to conservation officers right away.
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