Days after a black bear cub was struck by a car near Colony Farm Road in Coquitlam, conservation officers are ramping up a campaign to make sure homeowners and businesses aren't leaving bear attractants out for bruins to find.
Sgt. Todd Hunter of the BC Conservation Officer Service said officers will be joining forces with Tri-City bylaw officers targeting neighbourhoods with bear problems and garbage issues and handing out fines for any infractions.
"Be reminded you could find us coming around and we will be ticketing a $230 fine if we see there are attractants left out on your property."
For non-compliance, fines of $575 can be applied possibly followed by a court order with even larger fines depending on the case, Hunter said.
Businesses as well as residents will be targeted in the blitz.
The campaign leads up to WildSafe BC's program to raise awareness about the problem of animal attractants and the role of conservation officers in protecting wildlife.
Todd said the program running Sept. 17 and 18 will be called BC Goes Wild and will take place across the province with information, officer patrols and other events.
"There's a lot of work going on between communities, such as information sessions, enforcement actions and you can expect even COs to be out providing education and enforcement during that weekend."
The death of a black bear cub on Lougheed Highway was the second fatality involving a collision with a car in recent weeks. In the latest incident, a driver hit and killed the cub shortly after 7 a.m. Sunday morning and left the scene.
Hunter said this is the time of year when collisions with black bears are most likely to occur because it gets dark sooner and bears are out looking for food.
"What people can do to avoid collisions is to drive according to speed limits," he said, "and if it's a dimly lit area, you should drive to the conditions."
