Bear scare requires action

Unlocked doors are giving some particularly bold bears unintentional access to rich pickings in the Powell River area.

According to Francine Ulmer, Powell River WildSafe BC Coordinator, there have been at least three instances of bears breaking into people’s homes since April.

“Bears can smell for kilometres through the forest,” said Ulmer. “So the smell of cat food on the other side of a locked door is easy for them to pick up.”

Recent instances of bear burglary are happening at the paws of young black bears foraging on their own for the first time, said Ulmer.

“People are leaving doors and windows open or unlocked because it’s hot out,” said Ulmer. “Bears smell the cat or dog food and make a beeline to get at it.”

Ursine break-ins have been reported in Lund, Craig Road and Kelly Creek areas—where a goat was saved by a dog.

“The more interaction these bears have with humans and human food, the more conditioned they are to associate humans with food,” she said. “Human-conditioned bears become problem bears that are more likely to be killed.”

Ulmer recommends residents keep pet food in closed containers behind locked doors and only have bird feeders out in winter when bears are hibernating.

To learn more about reducing attractants to wildlife, readers can consult materials available on the WildSafeBC website or email Ulmer at [email protected].