Hefty fines being handed out for leaving trash in ‘high-risk’ bear areas

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NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Conservation officers are now handing out expensive fines if your garbage is out in what they call a “high-risk area.”

The move comes after a black bear walked into the home of a North Vancouver woman last night. She was scratched and ended up in the hospital. The bear was put down.

Conservation Officer Sergeant Todd Hunter says she’s lucky, but this is a good reminder to lock up your trash. Otherwise, bears become habituated.

Fines for leaving garbage out in high-risk areas start at $230.

“We started with the Tri-Cities area: Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, and we’re moving on to Port Moody to some of the problem areas there,” says Hunter.

“We’ll also be in North Vancouver for sure,” he tells us, noting that calls have spiked in that area over the last several weeks.

“Anytime you see any kind of wildfire, [bears] can be dangerous, defensive and there’s a great risk of someone being injured,” he adds.

Meantime, Hunter says overall, reports of bear sightings are down a bit this year over last. He thinks it’s because people are worried the animal will be destroyed if they say anything.

But he says not to be afraid to call them because if you don’t, it could put people’s safety at risk. “Either a bear has made its way into a residence or within close proximity to a person because these bears are being habituated to natural food sources.”

He suggests you take down the bird feeder and avoid putting things like babies’ diapers in the trash can outside. They are both considered attractants.

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