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Alberni Valley Bear Smart Community Program
City of Port Alberni Bear Smart Community Brochure
Step 1 : Bear-proof your home...
Garbage : Store garbage indoors or in a bear-proof enclosure until morning of scheduled pick-up day.
Coolers : Store all coolers indoors, even clean empty ones.
Pet Food : Bring pet dishes inside and clean up any spillage. Store all pet foods inside.
Bird Food : Use birdfeeders only in winter. Keep ground free of seeds.
Barbecue : Burn off the grill after each use. Store covered and in a secure area.
Fruit Trees : Pick ripe fruit and fallen fruit daily. Remove unused fruit trees.
Recycling : Wash and store recycling indoors or in a bear-proof enclosure.
Step 2 : "If you see a bear..."
Go indoors : DO NOT RUN from the bear or taunt it. Space is Safe!
ALERT your neighbors. Step 3 : To report a Human-Bear Conflict... Such as property damage, threatening or aggressive behavior or if the bear has no escape route call the Conservation Officer Service at 1 877 952 7277.
BEARS LIVE TO EAT. . .
consuming up to 25,000 calories a day.
While they prefer natural foods, they will eat
almost anything and will do almost anything
to obtain food. Bears have a keen sense of
smell and are driven to investigate. Carelessly
stored garbage, birdfeeders, or an unclean barbeque
are open invitations to bears. Bears in pursuit of an easy meal may damage
property or, in rare cases, cause injury to people.
Paying attention to common household activities will reduce encounters and contribute to
a 'Bear Smart' community. Encourage your friends and neighbours to participate as well.
IF YOU SEE A BEAR. . . ACT RESPONSIBLY
REMAIN CALM Often the bear is just passing through. If it finds no food,it will simply move on. Keep well
away. Do not crowd the bear - give it plenty of space. Warn others to be respectful; bring
small children and untrained pets in the house. LET THE BEAR KNOW IT IS NOT WELCOME Do not allow the bear to feel comfortable in your backyard. Retreat to a safe place, allow
the bear an escape route and make lots of noise to encourage the bear to leave. After it has
left the area, remove anything that attracted the bear.
To report a bear encounter where public safety is at risk call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277)
For information on:

ALERT your neighbors. Step 3 : To report a Human-Bear Conflict... Such as property damage, threatening or aggressive behavior or if the bear has no escape route call the Conservation Officer Service at 1 877 952 7277.

REMAIN CALM Often the bear is just passing through. If it finds no food,it will simply move on. Keep well
away. Do not crowd the bear - give it plenty of space. Warn others to be respectful; bring
small children and untrained pets in the house. LET THE BEAR KNOW IT IS NOT WELCOME Do not allow the bear to feel comfortable in your backyard. Retreat to a safe place, allow
the bear an escape route and make lots of noise to encourage the bear to leave. After it has
left the area, remove anything that attracted the bear.
Illustrations by Evelyn Kirkaldy

- The Ministry of Environment Bear Smart Community Program
- How to Bear Proof Your Property
- How to Become a Volunteer with the Alberni Valley Bear Smart Committee
Crystal McMillan, MA
Executive Director
Bear Smart BC Consulting
250-951-9453
bearsmartbc@telus.net