Conservation officers are searching for a possibly wounded black bear that’s been seen rummaging through garbage in Burnaby.
Over the past two weeks, several people have reported seeing the bear, which appears to be wounded, roaming the area east of Forest Grove near Burnaby Mountain secondary.
“We just want the people living in the area to know that this bear is in the area,” conservation officer Ashley Page told the Burnaby NOW.
While bears typically hibernate during the winter months, Page said if there are easily accessible sources of food, bears will forgo the annual hibernation.
“If there are attractants on people’s property, they (the bears) are going to continue searching for those,” she said. “If they can get a food reward very easily, there’s no need for them to go into hibernation.”
Residents are reminded to be “bear aware” by storing garbage properly to discourage bears from digging through it. People should also ensure barbecues are cleaned out, Page said.
“If you do have garbage left out or even bird feeders or dog food, … if there is something for that bear to access on your property, it will do that all year-round,” she added.
If you spot this, or any other bear, report the sighting to conservation officers at 1-877-952-7277.
And don’t approach the bear, Page said.
“Give it time and space to leave the area, … and back away slowly,” she added.
