A spring awakening ... Northwest Conservation Officers warn of waking bears and the need to reduce attractants

A bear trap along a trail in the Omenica area of Prince Rupert
last fall, following reports of a rummaging bear

The annual awakening of the bears from a winter of slumber is taking place across the Northwest and while so far the Prince Rupert area has not seen any of the wandering ursus just yet, the BC Conservation Office is hearing some reports from the region. 

With one of note from the Kitimat area this week and some less than helpful behaviour from residents there when it comes to bear deterrence.

Last year, Port Edward had a number of bear encounters, as did Lax Kw'allams. 

In Prince Rupert there were also numerous reports, with the west side of the city the location for a persistent bear situation for a good portion of the summer and into the fall, with a trap put in place along the Omenica Avenue area.

To reduce the potential for human/bear interaction the BC Conservation Officer Service has a range of helpful tips for the public to review. Should you have a wildlife concern to report the process to follow can be reviewed here.

Wild Safe BC also has some background notes of interest to the theme.

You can follow the BC Conservation Officer Service from their Social Media stream for updates on situations in the area where you may live.

For more notes on the work of Emergency responders in the region see our archive page here.