There are at least nine Port Moody residents who may be taking the Bear Aware message more to heart now after receiving a violation ticket from BC Conservation officers this week.
Officers were targeting problem areas throughout the Tri-Cities on Tuesday and Wednesday evening after two startling bear incidents: a bear in Lions Park snacking on goodies left behind in an empty baby stroller; and an elderly woman in North Vancouver who went to close her open refrigerator door only to have her hand swatted away by a large black bear.
An investigation showed the bear in North Van was entirely hooked on garbage and had to be destroyed.
"The problem remains with unsecured human food waste stored improperly," said conservation officer Sgt. Todd Hunter.
Too many people continue to flout municipal bylaws requiring garbage to be securely stored indoors, Hunter added. "If you leave it out, they will come. The responsibility for wildlife management lies on everybody's shoulders and we need to get some assistance with the public."
On July 10, conservation officers issued a violation ticket, which carries a $230 fine, to a Port Coquitlam resident.
During Tuesday's enforcement blitz officers issued eight violation tickets as well as one written warning, to Port Moody residences. Hunter did not have results of Wednesday's enforcement efforts before The Tri-City News' deadline.
The tickets were all for leaving out bear attractants.
