News Flash Home
The original item was published from 2/28/2022 10:29:55 AM to 3/1/2023 12:00:00 AM.

News Flash

City News

Posted on: February 28, 2022

[ARCHIVED] Secure Attractants and Help Keep Bears Safe

Black bear with snow

COQUITLAM, B.C., Feb. 28, 2022 – Coquitlam is asking residents and businesses to make sure their property isn’t a source of food for bears.

Bears den for the winter unless they can seek out easy and plentiful food sources. They may also become temporarily active during periods of warmer weather in the winter months. Bears are currently being seen regularly in River Springs, Harbour Chines and west of Mundy Park. As a result, City staff are patrolling the community, with a focus on these areas, looking for attractants such as garbage and green carts put out early for collection.

Guided by massive appetites and a keen sense of smell, bears find unsecured garbage carts, dumpsters and other food sources near homes and businesses to be an irresistible draw. 

Help Keep Bears Away

Residents can take simple steps to keep bears safe and prevent human-wildlife conflict, including:

  • Store garbage, food waste and recycling in a secure area that is inaccessible to wildlife, such as a locked garage or shed;
  • Only place carts and bins at the curb after 5:30 a.m. on collection day—not the night before; and
  • Keep carts and bins odour-free by freezing smelly garbage and food waste until collection day and regularly cleaning them.

Property owners who allow wildlife to access attractants—even unintentionally—may receive a $500 fine. These rules are explained at www.coquitlam.ca/bearsmart

Unsecured Attractants Put Bears at Risk

Bears have a strong sense of smell, meaning it only takes one home’s garbage to attract a bear. Taking steps to make sure they don’t find an easy meal in your neighbourhood will help encourage them to forage in natural areas rather than backyards.

Unsecured garbage continues to be the most common bear attractant in Coquitlam. This is a problem because bears that become habituated to eating garbage can become unpredictable, and increase the risk to public safety.

It’s up to everyone to do their part to be bear smart. City staff are available to help provide tips and advice on how to make your property—and especially your garbage—less attractive to bears. 

For more information on securing attractants, visit www.coquitlam.ca/bearsmart

To report wildlife attractants, improper storage of attractants or wildlife accessing attractants, call the City at 604-927-3500 or email urbanwildlife@coquitlam.ca. To report a conflict with wildlife that threatens public safety or causes property damage, call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

Media contact:
Caresse Selk
Manager Environment
604-927-3500
urbanwildlife@coquitlam.ca

Additional Info...
Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City News

A woman and a man sit at a coffee table with a silver laptop, calculator and paperwork.

Avoid Late Fees on 2024 Utility Bills

Posted on: March 26, 2024
"We're hiring!" sign at City of Coquitlam job fair

We’re Hiring: Join Us at Coquitlam’s Recreation Job Fair

Posted on: February 28, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
Doggo posing for a picture whilst on leash.

Coquitlam Dogs: Train Your Human

Posted on: January 30, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
Two girls float in the pool on a noodle

Registration for Spring Recreation Programs starts January 30

Posted on: January 23, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
A yellow graphic that reads Public Service Advisory

Coquitlam Winter Weather Response

Posted on: January 17, 2024
2023_Snow_News-Flash_519_x_390px

Coquitlam Prepares for Next Snow Event

Posted on: January 16, 2024
2023_Extreme Cold_News-Flash_519_x_390px

Coquitlam Prepares for Winter Event

Posted on: January 11, 2024
Teddy bear getting mended

Free Repair Café Event in Coquitlam

Posted on: January 8, 2024
Patrons strolling around Lights at Lafarge.

Celebrate the Season at Jingle Bells Night

Posted on: December 13, 2023
Coquitlam Dam being built

Find Coquitlam History in Other Archives

Posted on: December 11, 2023
Public works vehicle prepped for winter weather

City Crews Prepare for Snow

Posted on: December 8, 2023
High-flowing river

Be Prepared: Heavy Rain in the Forecast

Posted on: December 4, 2023
Map of Foster Avenue between North Road and Whiting Way

Update on Incident at 500 Foster Avenue

Posted on: December 1, 2023
CFR Maltese and Christmas lights.

Have a Safe and Fun Winter Season

Posted on: November 30, 2023
Map of Foster Avenue between North Road and Whiting Way

Statement on Incident at 500 Foster Avenue

Posted on: November 30, 2023
Cyclists riding through City Centre Multi Modal Path and Intersection

Go by Bike this Fall in Coquitlam

Posted on: October 13, 2023
Child holding a blue shovel with snow

Volunteer as a Coquitlam Snow Angel

Posted on: October 10, 2023
Yellow background with exclamation mark and text that says PSA

Wind Warning in Effect

Posted on: September 25, 2023
Blue sign at park reading "Glen Park"

Help Shape the City’s Plans for Glen Park

Posted on: September 21, 2023
Three Indigenous people, two dressed in 'fancy' traditional costumes

Celebrate 2023 Culture Days in Coquitlam

Posted on: September 14, 2023
People standing in front of a sport organization's tent

Coquitlam Sports Fair Returns Aug. 19

Posted on: August 3, 2023
Canada Day -News Flash

Canada Day in Coquitlam

Posted on: June 7, 2023
City Hall Property Taxes

Coquitlam Announces New City Manager

Posted on: April 13, 2023