Whistler's recent heat wave means parks packed with people—but apparently not all of them are picking up after themselves.
According to the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), a black bear with a cub got into some unsecured garbage at Rainbow Park on Sunday, June 8.
"Please remember to put all food and scented items in the bear-resistant garbage cans. If a garbage can is full, please pack it out with you," the RMOW said in an alert on June 9.
"Please report wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk to the RAPP Line: 1-877-952-7277. If the garbage or recycling is full in one of our parks, please contact Resort Operations at 604-935-8307, or e-mail [email protected]."
The RMOW shared the alert on behalf of the BC Conservation Officer Service, which didn't provide any further info about the incident.
Securing bear attractants in Whistler is not just good practise, it's the law. Unsecured attractants can be reported to the RMOW's Bylaw Department.
According to the RMOW, wildlife attractants include:
- Food, garbage and recyclables. This should be stored securely indoors.
- Compost (other than grass clippings, leaves or branches). Compost can be disposed of at Whistler’s waste depots or in a bear-proof composter. Compost shouldn’t contain fish or bone meal.
- Barbecues. Clean these and remove all grease from the grease trap after each use.
- Pet food. Feed pets indoors.
- Vegetable gardens
- Seeds and hummingbird feeders
- Citronella candles
- Hot tub covers. Use an aluminum cover.
- Grease
- Oil
- Antifreeze
- Paint
- Petroleum products
- Remove fruit and berries before they ripen on trees and bushes. Remove fallen fruit.
- Mountain ash trees and shrubs
- Blueberries and huckleberries
- Clover, dandelions and grasses. Mow and weed lawns.
Read more about bears in Whistler at whistler.ca/bears.
