Relocated grizzly bear could return if it can access neighbourhood wildlife attractants

The Conservation Officer Service was successful in relocating the grizzly bear that was seen foraging in the Garibaldi Estates neighbourhood on Thursday, September 10. The grizzly bear was relocated the next day.

Since the bear's relocation there have been numerous unconfirmed grizzly bear sightings. It is important to note there are multiple brown phased black bears that are currently moving through the community which can lead to misidentification. The most distinguishing feature of a grizzly bear is the shoulder hump and claw length, not its colour.

Releasing bears back into their home range provides them with a second chance at remaining wild, however the most effective method of keeping bears wild and reducing human-wildlife conflicts is to manage residential wildlife attractants. 

Relocation is only a temporary solution when wildlife attractants are present. Relocated bears will often return to the location from which they were removed if wildlife attractants, such as domestic fruit trees, are not managed. 

The Conservation Officer Service and the District of Squamish are urging residents and visitors to implement the following Bear Smart tips, if not already practiced: 

• Manage fruit trees: Pick fruit as it ripens, do not allow fruit to gather on the ground and consider installing a portable electric fence. Remove blossoms in the spring to decrease fruit production and prune trees to a manageable size. 

• Lock and secure garbage and organics totes at all times and unlock them only on the day of collection. Please also consider moving totes into a garage or shed. 

• Place totes curbside only on the day of collection and never the night before - even if locked.

• Hang bird feeders at least 10 feet from the ground and 10 feet away from a climbable structure. Use a catch tray to prevent seeds accumulating on the ground. 

• Keep pet food and bowls indoors.

• Clean barbecues, move outdoor freezers or fridges indoors and ensure urban hens and beehives are protected by electric fencing. 

Learn more about living in bear country at squamish.ca/wildlife.

September 24, 2020