A black bear cruising the Brentwood Bay enclave of Central Saanich prompted a police warning on the weekend.
No conflict with humans was reported, Central Saanich Police Service said Saturday (June 1) morning, but folks should be “bear aware.”
Every year hundreds, and in some years over a thousand, bears are destroyed due to conflicts between people and bears, according to the province.
Most problems begin when people allow bears to access non-natural food sources such as garbage.
This spring the vast majority of bear calls are from Langford, with some coming from rural Saanich, View Royal, Highlands and Colwood, according to local conservation officers. Attractants are particularly of issue in View Royal, where council is conducting a pilot project giving residents bear-proof garbage bins to curb conflict.
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So far this year in B.C. 872 calls to the conservation service resulted in 84 calls attended and 17 bears destroyed by conservation officers, 0 by “other” and one relocated.
The black bear is the most common and most active from April to November.
WildSafeBC recommends if you encounter a bear, stop, stay calm and never run. Most bears are wary of humans.
If the bear is unaware, leave the area quietly while keeping an eye on the bear.
If it is aware but not reacting, speak softly and back away slowly. If the bear leaves, let it do so and do not follow it.
A bear that seems agitated will make noises such as jaw-popping, moaning, woofing and may even stomp the ground or bluff charge. These are all signs of a bear behaving defensively and letting you know you are too close. Speak softly and calmly and back away slowly.
Aggressive bears, or sightings in urban areas, should be reported to the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
