Bear Smart Info

Bear proof your home

Garbage:

• Never store your garbage outside, unless it is in an approved bear-proof container or bear-proof enclosure.
• Recycling : wash and store recycling indoors or in a bear-proof enclosure.
• Do not put garbage curb-side until morning of pick-up.
• It may only take one time to condition a bear to human garbage.
• Do not store food in outdoor fridges or freezers.
• Coolers : store all coolers indoors, even clean empty ones.
• See District of Port Hardy Garbage and Recycling Bylaw.

Bird Feeders:

• Do not use bird feeders in bear country.
• Use bird baths or plant red or pink native flowers that are known to appeal to hummingbirds.

Barbecues:

• Burn barbecue and clean immediately after use.
• Store them indoors, if possible leave the propane tank outside.
• Always remove the grease can and store it indoors.
• Do not leave any food unattended outside, the smell from barbecuing travels a long distance.

Pet Food:

• Feed your pets inside and store their food inside. If you must feed pets outside, remove all food and food bowls after feeding.
• Do not leave dog bones lying around in your yard.

Domestic Livestock – Follow Good Husbandry Practices:

• Bring livestock in at night.
• Clear brush at fence line so there’s no hiding place for predators.
• Secure livestock feed.
• Electrify paddock/coop.

Fruit Trees :

• Harvest fruits as soon as they ripen.
• Remove fallen fruit from the ground.
• Electric fence orchards & bee hives in areas where bears are a problem.
• Plant non-fruit bearing trees/shrubs when landscaping.
• See District of Port Hardy Garbage & Recycling Bylaw.

Camping:

• Camping, hiking, fishing and hunting often puts you in the bear’s environment.
• Do not camp where fresh bear sign is found (i.e. scat, fresh diggings, claw marks on trees, tracks).
• If camping in a campsite within or near municipal boundaries, make sure you use a bear-resistant waste container for your garbage.
• Pack all garbage out including all food scraps.
• Store all food and other attractants securely in your car or in a bear-proof food cache.

WILDLIFE ALERT REPORTING PROGRAM (warp)

To report a human-bear conflict

To report a bear encounter where public safety is at risk call the Conservation Officer Service at: 1. 877. 952. RAPP (7277).

When you report bear activity to the Conservation Officer Service, it provides the opportunity to work proactively together to fix the problem before it gets out of control. Reports of dangerous wildlife (bears) in the community may NOT result in the removal of the animal, in fact, if reported soon enough, Conservation Officers, municipal workers and community volunteers can often change human behavior before it results in the removal of the animal.

Support your local government with their endeavor to become an official Bear Smart Community. Remember, it takes the entire community to make change!