BEAR AWARENESS IN OUR COMMUNITY | | | Dear Homeowners,
We have received several reportings of bears active in our residential neighbourhoods within the Predator Ridge community. We continue to act under the direction of the Vernon Conservation Officer service in the hopes that the bears will move on from our community safely & naturally. It is important to note that the Conservation Officer service will not relocate bears. They will only step in if a bear is showing signs of aggression and at that time, the bear would very unfortunately be killed. To avoid any unnecessary harm to residents, guests and of course, these beautiful creatures, we as a community need to ensure that the bears are not comfortable or fed in our community.
We kindly ask for your cooperation in: - Removing all bird feeders.
- Storing all garbage indoors, until the morning of garbage collection.
- Placing all of your garbage in covered bins for garbage collection.
- Removing all food sources from your outdoor living areas.
- Cleaning your BBQ after each use.
- Talking to your neighbours about the importance of removing these bear attracting food sources.
- Avoiding placing garbage in any of our public dog station receptacles or bins on the golf courses.
- Helping to clean up any messes that have been caused on common property.
- Helping to keep the lids closed on any shared garbage receptacles at various strata locations.
If you see a bear on your property and you are safe to do so, please flash your lights and make lots of noises (especially banging sounds) and make sure it knows it is not welcome.
We recommend you to be alert and carry a bear banger/bell/whistle or some other noise making instrument when you are walking or hiking around the resort in order to avoid potentially surprising a bear. Bear spray can also be purchased if you are nervous (although please note you must be within a close range to use it and wind directions can affect its use). |
If you encounter a bear:
► Do not run. Stay calm. If applicable, stay with your group and keep children & pets close. Assess the situation.
► Don't attract attention. Leave the way you came without calling attention to yourself. Retreat slowly while keeping your eye on the bear. NEVER RUN.
► If you have no choice but to move forward, give the bear as much space as you can.
► Speak to the bear in a soft, low voice. Let the bear know that you are human and not a prey animal.
► Watch for a place to hide. As you back away, seek out a place of safety, such as a car or building. Remember bears do climb trees.
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To learn more about how you can be "bear aware" and protect your family & home from any unwanted bear visitors, please visit the BC Ministry of the Environment's website at: www.env.gov.bc.ca.
If you do happen to see a bear, please report all sightings by email to btrip@predatorridge.com. You may also contact the Vernon Conservation Officer service directly at: (250) 558-1776.
Sincerely,
The Predator Ridge Team | |
