2025 Bear Safety Resolution

Spring is slowly starting to make its appearance on Anarchist Mountain. And with the warmer weather and longer days, we can expect to start to see signs that our resident black bears are awake and on the look out for easy to obtain calories.

To avoid our bears getting into unnecessary trouble and to keep our properties, families and pets safe, let's each do our part by committing to this easy to follow bear resolution:

• I will not put my garbage bin or dirty recyclables out until after 5:00 am the morning of collection. This is now an RDOS by-law requirement.

• I will give my garbage and recycling bins a good spray with vinegar or a 1:4 part mix of household bleach and water after each collection day.

• I will freeze the smelliest garbage (meat, fish, poultry scraps, cooking grease, etc.) and place the bag, frozen, into the garbage bin the morning of collection.

• I will take down all bird feeders and suet by no later than the end of March, and wash the feeders with a dilute mix of bleach and water. This not only removes smells that can attract bears, but also kills bacteria and pathogens that can linger and be deadly to songbirds.

• I will keep my BBQ (and smokers) clean of grease and bits of cooked or charred meat, and ideally stored in the garage or another secure area.

• I will keep my vehicles free of food and other enticing things (pet food, fast food wrappers), and keep the doors locks and windows up.

• I will keep my dog on a leash and under control at all times. Remember, it is against the law to let dogs chase or harass a bear or other wildlife.

• I will report any bear sightings to the Anarchist Mountain Fire Rescue Society (AMFRS) Wildlife Safety Program (wildlife@amfrs.ca) or, in cases of an aggressive or problem bear, the BC Conservation Officer Service (1-877-952-7277).

Let's all do our part to co-exist responsibly and safely with our amazing black bears!!