A huge jump in bear sightings and complaints about bruins eating garbage has prompted the City of Port Coquitlam to send out letters warning homeowners about fines for leaving their trash unsecured.
As many as 10,000 letters were sent out in early August to remind homeowners about the need to lock up their trash or risk a $150 fine.
"Clearly there's a need to put some attention to this," city bylaw manager Dan Scoones said, noting that conservation officers recorded 190 bear complaints last month, as many as the city usually gets in one year.
This is the third year in a row the city has held a summertime enforcement blitz on both the north and south sides of the community. The letters inform residents that they can avoid a fine if they secure their garbage and food scraps (either by adding an approved locking device to their carts, or by keeping them in a bear-proof shelter such as a garage), and to only set out their carts at the curb between 5:30-7:30 a.m. on collection day and re-secure them by 7 p.m. that evening.
The August enforcement letter has resulted in a backlog of orders for the city-approved Critter Guard and, in recognition, properties on the waiting list for the bear-resistant locks won't be fined.
A dedicated email address has been set up to handle orders at [email protected].
The bylaw and more information can be found at www.portcoquitlalm.ca/bears.
WHAT TO DO NOW
Secure and lock up all potential food sources, which also includes food scraps and food-soiled papers in the green cart, beverage containers, barbecue grills, compost piles, pet food, bird feed, diapers, grease barrels, petroleum products, chemical products and grass clippings.
Immediately remove fallen fruit and pick fruit upon ripening.
Ensure beehives and bird feeders are inaccessible to wildlife.
Ensure outdoor refrigerators or freezers are locked or inaccessible to wildlife.
Bear sightings should be reported to the Provincial Conservation Officer Service 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-877-952-7277. The city relies on these statistics to strategically plan its response to bears in the community.
