The bears are back in town 鈥� it鈥檚 the Squamish version of the classic Thin Lizzy song.
WildSafe小蓝视频 is receiving reports of bears accessing garbage already this spring, according to a news release from the District.
Extra measures should be taken to ensure garbage and organics totes are locked and secured at all times, except between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. on garbage collection day.
聽"Living with wildlife is an integral part of the Squamish community lifestyle,鈥� says District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. 鈥淲e live in bear country, and it鈥檚 critical that we understand the way they live and act within their natural environment, not only to successfully co-exist, but to serve as an example for other communities.鈥�
Items that attract wildlife, such as bird feeders, trash, dirty barbecues and pet food need to be removed or secured around homes and businesses to 鈥渆nsure the safety of citizens and limit negative impacts on wildlife,鈥� the release states.
Those who don鈥檛 abide by these rules can face a fine for violating the District of Squamish Wildlife Attractant Bylaw.
The Conservation Officer Service (COS) works with District of Squamish Bylaw Services, the RCMP, Squamish Nation, Wildsafe小蓝视频 and Carney鈥檚 Waste Systems to mitigate wildlife conflict situations.
聽鈥淭he COS is dedicated to reducing human-caused wildlife conflicts in Squamish," says conservation officer Simon Gravel in the release. "We do this best when we get early information about a bear鈥檚 whereabouts and habits so that we can work to address the situation and keep the bear moving through the area before our options for a successful outcome run out.鈥�
To report a violation, please contact the bylaw department at 604-815-5067.
To report a bear sighting, call the Conservation Officer Service 24/7 at 1-877-952-7277.
For more information on living with wildlife, visit .
