Kitimat Residents Warned to Secure Garbage Amid Rising Bear Activity

Kitimat residents are being urged to better secure their garbage as bear activity in the area increases, with the BC Conservation Officer Service citing ongoing concerns about human-wildlife conflicts. Conservation Officer Micha Kneller noted that while recent reports have been limited to sightings, there is growing concern about food-conditioned bears, which pose a risk to public safety. Last year, a bear had to be removed after it became so habituated that it could push open garage doors. Kneller stressed that careless waste handling continues to be a major problem in the town, with unsecured trash attracting bears. The town of Kitimat, surrounded by wilderness, remains a hotspot for bear calls. Kneller urged residents to freeze odorous items like fish waste and store garbage in secure locations. Despite social media campaigns encouraging proper waste disposal, Kneller believes that stronger municipal action is needed, especially since Kitimat lacks wildlife feeding bylaws and adequate enforcement. Without stricter measures, the safety of both residents and wildlife remains at risk.