The bears are almost all denned up for the winter, as is the WildSafeBC qathet Regional District program.
The program will enter hibernation as of November 30, until next spring, according to a media release from WildSafeBC community coordinator Evelyn Kirkaldy.
WildSafeBC had an active year assisting the community with several wildlife conflicts throughout the regional district, stated Kirkaldy in the release. The program included door-to-door canvassing, garbage surveying, attendance at public events and delivery of the WildSafe Ranger elementary school program.
Kirkaldy said she is grateful for the generous support of the regional district, Powell River Community Forest, BC Conservation Foundation, BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, BC Conservation Officer Service and City of Powell River for their ongoing support, and everyone who has made an effort to prevent human-wildlife conflicts this year.
Garbage, fruit trees and livestock, including chickens, remain the top high-conflict animal attractants in qathet Regional District, according to the release. Black Bears remain the most reported species at 76 per cent, followed by deer at 16 per cent.
A year-end report will be available in December.
During the winter months, wildlife conflicts can still be reported to the RAPP line at 1.877.952.7277 and urgent wildlife questions can be directed to bc@wildsafebc.com.
Until the program resumes in the spring, residents can go to wildsafebc.com and facebook.com/wildsafebcqrd for updates, tips, and other information to assist them in keeping wildlife wild and communities safe.
