Information Bulletin: Securing Wildlife Attractants in Sooke

Thursday, October 2, 2025 – As fall arrives, bears and other wildlife are actively seeking out food sources to prepare for winter. This seasonal behaviour, known as hyperphagia, drives animals to consume tens of thousands of calories each day. When unsecured garbage, compost, food waste, or fruit are left accessible, wildlife can be drawn into neighbourhoods.

This not only increases the risk of conflict, but also puts animals at risk of becoming habituated to human food sources—often leading to negative outcomes for both people and wildlife.

Local and Provincial Requirements

The District of Sooke’s Animal Regulation Bylaw (No. 392) requires residents to secure wildlife attractants such as garbage, compost, and food waste. These local rules are reinforced by the provincial Wildlife Act, which prohibits feeding dangerous wildlife and failing to manage attractants responsibly.

Failing to comply with these requirements is an offense that can result in fines and enforcement action. More importantly, it creates conditions that undermine the shared effort to live well alongside wildlife.

Working Together with Wild Wise

The District of Sooke partners with Wild Wise Society, a community education program dedicated to reducing human-wildlife conflict. Through outreach, workshops, and seasonal campaigns, Wild Wise helps residents put practical steps into action to support coexistence.

“When residents take simple steps like storing garbage securely or harvesting fruit trees, we see immediate benefits,” says Mollie Cameron, President of Wild Wise Sooke. “These actions reduce conflict and demonstrate the collective commitment of Sooke residents to coexist with the wildlife that surrounds us.”

How to Do Your Part

Residents are encouraged to:

• Use bear-resistant containers whenever possible.
• Store garbage, compost, and food waste in a garage, shed, or other secure location.
• Place bins at the curb only on the morning of collection day.
• Harvest fruit trees promptly and clean up fallen fruit.
• Report concerns or violations to the District of Sooke Bylaw department, or to the Conservation Officer Service RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

By securing attractants, residents contribute to a stronger community effort to reduce conflict and maintain healthy boundaries with local wildlife. With the support of Wild Wise Sooke, the District continues to work alongside the community to foster a culture of coexistence.