Wildlife Alert - Bear Attack in Garibaldi Estates

*Update: Sunday, October 9: The bear that matches the description of the one that recently attacked the two people in Garibaldi Estates has been captured by the Conservation Officer Service (COS). Bear activity continues to be high in Squamish with daily reports of bears accessing non-natural food sources such as garbage, fruit trees and even bird feeders. To view bear activity in your neighbourhood, please visit the Wildlife Alert Reporting Program (WARP), available at  www.wildsafebc.com . 

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On October 6, 2016, a medium-sized black bear entered the yard of a residence in the Garibaldi Estates area south of Garibaldi Way and attacked two adults who were sitting on the steps of their home. The attack is described as territorial, and the two adults received cuts and bruises. The Conservation Officer Service (COS) responded to the call and set a bear trap, however the bear is still at large.

Black bear activity is currently extremely high in Squamish since many bears have been drawn into our neighbourhoods by fruit trees and unsecured garbage. As fruit trees are no longer producing fruit, there is more competition for limited food sources. This may result in increased territorial and destructive behaviour.

With heightened bear activity throughout the community, we recommend heightened vigilance throughout our neighbourhoods.

What you can do:

• Report all bear sightings to the COS at 1-877-952-7277
• Use caution when travelling on trails
• Supervise children outside at all times
• If possible store garbage and organics totes indoors
• Ensure all fruit trees and gardens have been harvested and that there are no attractants

The District of Squamish and WildSafeBC will provide an update as the situation changes or if the bear is captured. Visit the WildSafeBC and District of Squamish websites for more information on how to effectively manage attractants.

October 7, 2016