B.C. citizens are being warned against leaving anything outside a bear might find appetizing as the sleepy creatures will be out searching for food before the hibernation season.
鈥淏ears are foraging for food before denning 鈥� meaning leaving out your garbage, pet food or fallen fruit can lure bears and create a public safety risk,鈥� said the province鈥檚 conservation service.
Conservation officers will be patrolling residential, recreational, and commercial areas to conduct 鈥渁ttractant audits鈥� and ticketing people for violations of the B.C. Wildlife Act. Penalties can range up to $575.
鈥淥nce animals become food-conditioned and habituated, they are dangerous to the public 鈥� these are not good candidates for relocation.鈥�
The conservation services encourages citizens to report any wildlife incidents: 1-877-952-7277.
