Sooke Mayor Maja Tait is reminding residents to secure their garbage after a fifth bear was killed by conservation officers in the area.
“A garbage bear is a dead bear. It’s sad but true,” Tait said.
The bear, reported to be in the area near the Sooke Community Hall, was killed July 14. Bears that become habituated to residential areas are considered a safety threat.
“Be mindful of your garbage and items left out,” Tait said. “This applies to residents and visitors in the area.”
Residents who fail to lock up their garbage until pickup day face a fine of $230.
“It’s important to secure compost as well,” said conservation officer Rick Dekelver, noting food scraps bins should follow the same guidelines as garbage and homemade composting should be bear-proof. “Using a bungee-cord to secure a bin is not secure, especially if you’re calling because a bear is in it.”
Barbecues should be cleaned of food, ripe fruit picked, and bird feeders removed.
According to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, it has been a busy year for bear calls in the region, particularly Sooke.
There have been more than 330 bear-related calls in the past three months in Greater Victoria. The total for all of 2016 was 417, while 2014 had 621 calls.
If you see a bear or a wild animal acting unusual, call the conservation office at 1-877-952-7277.
