BC Conservation Officers are warning Tri-City residents against leaving carved pumpkins on their steps for too long because their smell could bring bears into neighbourhoods.
The tip comes as conservation officers grapple with a high number of bear complaints, which has led to a dozen bears destroyed in the Tri-Cities since April.
Insp. Murray Smith said bears won't begin to seek their dens until November so it's important to get rid of anything that might attract them — even delaying the setting out of jack-o'-lanterns until Halloween night.
Then, as soon as the festivities are over, the pumpkins must be removed because the smell of rotting pumpkin flesh attracts bears. "It's one more thing that keeps bears in neighbourhoods," Smith said.
Smith also acknowledged the city of Coquitlam for being tough on people who are careless with waste, ripe fruit and other attractants. As of last week, Coquitlam had given out 1,400 warnings and issued 225 $500 tickets, he said.
"They've really put a real effort into trying to make a difference and trying to change the habits of the public, Smith said.
This has been one of the busiest seasons for bear complaints, with more than 2,000 coming in — 1,300 for Coquitlam, 700 for Port Coquitlam and 240 in Port Moody.
Although staff are stretched, Smith said calls are welcome so authorities can track bear issues and manage problem areas with education, fines and, if necessary, measures to scare bears out of the area.
Have a bear conflict concern? Call 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) or #7277 on the TELUS Mobility Network.
