This spring has been one of the quietest starts to bear season in recent years but cities will still be cracking down on people who leave out attractants or set their garbage out early.
In Port Coquitlam, 60 fines were issued in May to homeowners who left their garbage out and Coquitlam is patrolling at night to ensure garbage bylaws are adhered to.
Coquitlam's Urban Wildlife coordinator, Drake Stephens, said the city wants to get the upper hand on bear attractants before warm weather and the hunger drive bring more bears to the area.
"People need to know that nothing should be left out the night before," Stephens said, and that includes recycling bins. He recounted one incident recently where a bear feasted on a peanut butter container for an hour on someone's lawn because it wasn't completely rinsed out.
Paula Jones, acting manager of Bylaw Services with the city of Port Coquitlam, said 60 fines costing $150 each ($100 if paid within 30 days) were handed out in lower Mary Hill on the south side as well as Riverwood Gate, Lincoln Park, Clematis and Coast Meridian neighbourhoods in the north.
Since then, Jones stated in an email, there has been a "high degree of compliance" with the Solid Waste Bylaw. However, she said the bear issue cannot be solved overnight and the city will continue to educate residents about the importance of securing wildlife attractants.
In Port Moody, which has had as many bear complaints as Coquitlam this year, council turned down staff recommendations for commercial and industrial property owners to install bear-resistant bins.
Council members balked at the $3,000 public education cost, as well as an additional $5,000 annually for bylaw enforcement.
Mayor Mike Clay said the policy veered into "nanny state" territory and was unnecessary given the extensive public education that has already taken place through PoMo's bear aware program.
With a cold start to spring and plenty of natural food, bears may continue stay away from urban neighbourhoods. Coquitlam's Stephens predicted fewer problems this year because seven "teenage" bears that might have been drawn to garbage are "in jail."
The seven cubs from Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Anmore were taken to Critter Care Wildlife Society in Langley last year after their mothers were shot for getting into garbage.
Stephens also wants to remind Coquitlam residents to put food waste in the green cans because it is picked up first and to block up potential hide-holes for raccoons because it is birthing season.
-with files from Sarah Payne
Bear complaints 2012
Coquitlam 104
Port Coquitlam 37
Port Moody 104
- Source: BC Conservation Officer Service
