Bear sightings are on the rise in Port Coquitlam and the city is looking to fine those who don’t follow bylaws meant to keep bears away.
In June, the number of bear sightings nearly doubled from the previous month to 98 sightings. Most were reported along the river or in various neighbourhoods, and of those, a dozen were seen eating garbage.
The city wants to crack down on residents not keeping their garbage secure against wildlife with a $150 fine.
“Our bylaw states you have to have your garbage secure,” said Mayor Greg Moore. “That means in a shed, or locked garage or have a bear-aware device that locks your garbage. This is a device that's been tested with Grizzly bears actually to ensure that they can't get into the system."
Residents also must only keep leave their garbage bins on the street for pickup between 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on collection day.
Aside from the fine, the city is reminding those who use the trails around the city of safety precautions they should take, including travelling in a group, keeping pets on leash and wearing a bear bell.
“It’s not a problem of the bear, it’s a problem of the people,” said Svato Prochazka, a resident who has seen bears in the city a number of times. “They are attracting them.”
With a report by CTV British Columbia’s Peter Grainger
