British Columbia boasts one of the highest populations of black bears in the world, with their numbers being somewhere between 120 and 150 thousand animals. Pretty much all of B.C. is considered “bear country” and Kimberley is no exception.
According to WildSafeBC community coordinator for Kimberley/Cranbrook, Danica Roussy, “garbage is the number one bear attractant in Kimberley and we need to learn how to manage it if we are to keep the wildlife wild and our community safe.”
Roussy explained how Kimberley residents can keep wildlife wild, and the community safe, to ensure minimal human-wildlife conflict by following and sharing the following information with neighbours.
Store garbage in a secure building until collection day, or consider purchasing a bear-resistant household garbage container.
Ensure garbage bins are tightly closed and regularly wash recyclable items and clean the bins that contain garbage or recycling.
Do not leave garbage in the back of a truck, even if it has a canopy.
If you cannot store garbage securely, freeze smelly items and add to the bin only on the morning of collection.
The key to a healthy compost is ensuring equal amounts of brown and green materials.
Layer your greens, such as kitchen scraps and fresh grass clippings with no more than 10 centimetres of browns, such as dried leaves, grasses, shredded newspaper and cardboard.
Do not add fish, meat, fat, oils, un-rinsed eggshells or any cooked food to your compost.
Add oxygen to your compost by turning it regularly.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Roussy at 250-908-8101 or email her at kimberlet@wildsafebc.com or cranbrook@wildsafebc.com.
If you need to report a sighting or conflict with wildlife, call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277. You can also check the WildSafeBC website for more information at www.wildsafebc.com.
WildSafeBC acknowledges and appreciated the support of the Provincial Government, The Columbia Basin Trust, the Regional District of East Kootenay, The City of Cranbrook and The City of Kimberley.
