Photo: Kristina Anderson

Every year in British Columbia, around 1000 bears are destroyed due to Bear-Human Conflicts!

Bears are naturally afraid of humans. But garbage, bird feeders and tree fruits can bring bears near your home and family. Once a bear becomes used to human food sources the bear may need to be destroyed. Bear Aware behaviour reduces the number of bears coming into our neighbourhoods; keeping bears and our communities safer.

Remember to report all poachers, polluters and problem wildlife to 1-877-952-7277. For more information visit:

BEAR AWARE Website

Bear Basics

Bears on Your Property - Brochure for Agricultural Growers

Bear-Resistant Containers - Residential and Commercial Garbage Bins

See a Bear on Your Property? - Steps for Home Owners

Bears in the Backcountry - Steps for hikers, bikers, hunters and campers

Bear Aware Tips

Look for these bear attractants on your property:

• Garbage - the biggest attractant for bears in our communities is garbage. Properly secure your garbage, and keep it indoors until pick-up, or until you can bring it to your local landfill.
• Compost- use finished compost, leaves, grass or wood chips to cover up fruit or other food waste in your composter. Properly care for your compost by turning it and layering it appropriately to reduce odours. Click here for tips on proper composting.
• Fruit trees and Grapes- make sure to harvest fruit immediately. Remove all windfall fruit. If you own an orchard, electric fencing is encouraged.
• Pet food, Birdfeeders and Gardens are all attractants for bears. Keep your pet food securely stored indoors. Bring your birdfeeders in for the summer, supplementing them with natural flowers and birdbaths. Electric fencing is recommended to keep agriculture safe.
• Barbeques- everyone loves the smell of a good barbeque, bears included! To keep your barbeques safe, make sure that they are properly cleaned, covered and don’t leave utensils out overnight.

Bear Smart

The RDOS is in the process of becoming one of the first Bear Smart Regional Districts in BC.

Bear Smart Program Information