Time of year to be bear aware
Fall is close at hand, which is a time when the public should expect more bear sightings in lower levels of the valley.
Spawning Kokanee salmon and ripening fruit in orchards and vineyards are just two of the seasonal attractants for the animals.
More bears will be frequenting Central Okanagan Regional Parks, especially those connected to the higher elevations.
RDCO Communications Officer Bruce Smith says “This is the time of year that bears make their presence known and our field staff and visitors start seeing more signs that bears are around. As sightings and evidence of their presence increase, we post signs in several of our parks advising that bears may be active in the area.”
“If possible” he says “travel in a group and make some noise so any bears are aware of your presence. As the fall Kokanee salmon spawning season ramps up visitors may encounter bears bulking up on this food source in local creeks and streams. Bears fishing for food may not hear you over the noise of the creek water. If you see a bear, give it plenty of space and stay well away from it.”
Whenever possible avoid encounters with bears as they can be aggressive, especially when defending their food or their cubs. Bears also have excellent senses of smell and hearing and better sight than you might believe. Unless otherwise designated, dog owners are reminded their pets must be leashed and kept on trails at all times in order to avoid any potentially serious wildlife encounter. (Safety Guide to Wildlife in Regional Parks)
Residents also have a role to play by securely storing any garbage and only placing their garbage cart out on the morning of their regular curbside collection. That helps to reduce the potential temptation for bears or other wildlife.
Meantime, visitors to Knox Mountain Park in Kelowna are reminded to stay bear aware when exploring and enjoying the park. While there have been no reports of bear sightings at this time, bear scat has been found in the area recently.
It’s not unusual for bear sightings to occur at this time of year and signs are in place to caution residents that bears may be in the area. Park users are encouraged to stay alert and respect bears by anticipating and being prepared for encounters with them.
Follow these tips for staying safe while sharing space with bears:
- Don’t travel alone whenever possible
- Make noise or carry a bear bell
- Keep dogs leashed and on trails
- If you sport a bear, reduce potential conflict by staying well away. Bears can be aggressive, especially when defending their food or cubs.
If you spot a bear that seems to be displaying aggression, please notify the Conservation Office by phone at 1-877-952-7277.
More bear information links and safety tips can be found at the following websites:
For more information about bears and other urban wildlife, visit kelowna.ca/parks.