Bear Smart
The Bear Smart Community Program is a proactive conservation strategy developed by the Ministry of Environment in partnership with the British Columbia Conservation Foundation and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. This program encourages efforts by the community, local businesses and individuals to reduce/prevent human-bear conflicts thereby increasing public safety.
In 2008, the BC Conservation Officer Service received approximately 240 bear complaints from residents in the District of Sooke. Five bears had to be destroyed as a result of bear/human conflict. This level of interaction establishes Sooke as being a community with one of the highest levels of human/bear conflicts in the province. It is important for communities to become “Bear Smart” and reduce attractants and to reduce conflicts.
If you see a bear:
- Remain calm: don’t panic.
- Keep away from the bear and bring children and pets indoors.
- Never approach the bear and do not run from it.
- Warn others of the bear’s presence, without yelling.
- Once the bear has left, check your yard to ensure there are no attractants available.
If the bear is threatening call the Conservation Officer Service at:
1 877 952-RAPP (7277) or local RCMP.
For more information about being BEAR AWARE check out this website at www.bearaware.bc.ca