RCMP warn residents of bear safety after increased encounters

North Vancouver RCMP are warning residents and providing bear safety tips after a series of increased encounters within populated areas.

Last night, North Vancouver RCMP responded to four separate bear sighting incidents. While bear sightings are common in North Vancouver, police have seen an increase in these reports in recent weeks.

In the majority of these cases, bears are observed going into resident’s driveways and ripping open their garbage and compost bins for food. In once instance, a man was observed within five-feet of a bear.

There is always a concern for the safety of the resident, their pets and the public at large when bears are confronted, said Constable Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for the North Vancouver RCMP. The RCMP is taking the opportunity to once again remind residents that they play a significant role in determining how bears will interact with humans.

Improperly stored garbage or other attractants remain the number one cause for bears to be in contact with humans. Educate yourself along with the children in your home. Residents can be intentional in preventing such encounters by:

• Keeping garbage inside until the morning of collection
• Consider obtaining a bear-resistant garbage container
• Store pet food indoors
• Remove bird feeders during bear season
• Keep your barbecue clean

If you see a bear, remain calm. Often the bear is just passing through, and if it finds no food source, will simply move on. Keep well away from the bear. Calmly bring your children and pets to an area of safety. Give the bear escape options.

If you encounter a bear and it appears to be threatening, call the B.C. Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 or the RCMP at 9-1-1.

To learn more on how to reduce human-bear encounters, how protect yourself and your property, click on the 'North Shore Black Bear Society' website, or the District Of North Vancouver, 'Bear Awareness' webpage.