It's not a video sensation but it soon could be as bears begin to flock to neighbourhoods near greenbelts in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
A video shot recently in Coquitlam shows a family trying to shoo a bear away with some success albeit with some unusual techniques. The video shot a few days ago and uploaded to YouTube was recently aired on CTV to promote safety around wild animals.
With bears out of hibernation, it's important to remove attractants, such as bird seed and garbage, and to call a conservation officer if a bear appears aggressive or poses a safety concern.
Here's what Coquitlam has to say on its website:
"These animals are part of our environment, but can become pests and unwanted visitors if we attract them to public and private property. It is important that we avoid inviting wildlife to our properties by removing attractants and limiting access to areas that wildlife may use as a den such as under or in sheds or wood piles.
Garbage is not healthy for bears and wildlife. When bears learn that garbage means food, they return to it again and again. To reduce bears and urban wildlife coming into the neighbourhood, remove attractants from your backyard that could provide food and shelter for these animals.
If you Encounter Threatening Wildlife
Report any sightings, and if you encounter threatening wildlife that is aggressive, breaking into buildings or causing property damage, please call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277."
