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Wlidlife Corner

WlidSafe B.C. community coordinator Kathy Murray keeps the community up to date on all things wildlife.
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Bears encounters have increased because of more people using the trails.

Submitted by Kathy MurrayWildSafe B.C. Community Coordinator

Wildlife update Aug 20

Berries are drying up, apples in town are ripening and garbage left outdoors is luring bears into Elk Valley and South Country communities.  It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that wildlife remains wild and communities remain safe.

We sadly don’t have the resources to address every individual that is either by intent or neglect baiting wildlife into our communities.  We are hopeful that long-time residents will lead by example and bear-proof their properties and that neighbours will work together to ensure that the neighbourhood is free of wildlife attractants (garbage outside, windfall fruit/apples, dirty BBQ’s etc.).  We have new residents, second home owners, tourists and seniors that can benefit from your knowledge, help and experience.

If you need support addressing an issue contact fernie@wildsafebc.com and/or contact the local bylaw officer.  All reports will remain anonymous.

Fernie

Bear sightings reported in James White Park, Dike trail by the Coal Creek Boat launch and by the Leroux Mansion, West Fernie Dike trail, Annex Park, Uprooted and Montane trails.  Cougar sightings reported on Fairy Creek Trail last week, but there have been no other reported cougar sightings.

Hosmer

Grizzly bear sightings reported by 3rd Street and Victoria.

Sparwood

Bear sightings reported behind the recreation centre and by the pedestrian bridge between FJ Mitchell School and Matevic road.  Cougar sighting reported in the wooded area at the bottom of the new pedestrian bridge.

South Country

Black bear sightings reported in Rosen Lake area.

For the latest updates on wildlife activity follow WildSafeBC Elk Valley on Facebook and please do post wildlife sightings you know of on this page.

We live in wildlife habitat. Be aware of your surroundings and respectful of the environment.  If you observed dangerous wildlife

  • accessing garbage or other human supplied food sources
  • that cannot be scared off
  • a bear, cougar or wolf seen in an urban area

Call the Ministry of Environment 24-hour hotline on 1-877-952-7277. This allows officers to identify current hot spot locations and work with both residents and wildlife to encourage use of natural habitats and food sources before wildlife becomes habituated and/or a safety concern.

For more information on keeping communities’ safe and wildlife wild please visit www.wildsafebc.com, or follow us on Facebook WildSafeBC Elk Valley.