Coquitlam encouraging bear deterrents

COQUITLAM (NEWS 1130) — You could call it the price to pay for living in such a nature rich area.

Every once in a while you may see a bear skulking through a yard or digging through trash.

Some people in the Tri-Cities area say it happens often.

Coquitlam councillor Teri Towner says deterrent steps like separating your garbage and putting it out in the morning instead of the night before are important.

“A lot of people complain that it isn’t convenient to get up in the morning and put your garbage out or the green waste out but you know what, a fed bear is a dead bear and when we have bears roaming around, something tragic could happen.”

Towner says there have been a high number of calls regarding bears in the area this year.

“We have to learn to live with our wildlife. Keeping your barbecue clean, don’t put bird feeders out, pick your ripe fruit, don’t put your garbage out early, they’re all very good reminders.”

The city has been making efforts to increase education and enforcement of bear deterrents.

About 55 fines of $500 dollars and 1,300 warnings have been handed out this year to people who aren’t doing their part to detract the dangerous animals.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today