Bear sighted near Coquitlam campus

> Garbage attracts hungry animals €¢ Ifyou see a bear, don't scream, and don't
“They are hungry and as the run—remain calm and back slowly away

Colten Kamlade ; .
weather cools they are likely wanting

 

 

    
  
  

Staff Reporter to bulk up for the coming hibernation,’ from the bear.” Frank Ritcey, provincial
nce again, a bear has been he said. “There is likely to be more co-ordinator for WildSafeBC
One near the Coquitlam bears around Hoy Creek as the salmon
campus of Douglas College. The return to spawn and then die. Bears
college website posted the warning love salmon. If walking along the trail _ ers
on September 22, but the bear was near the creeks make sure you make Fe <sAnmore Se he
first spotted a few weeks prior. noise as you walk. Some people carry eee |=
Michael McPhee, a Geography bear bells on their packs or bags.” Jf c a be
d Envi ti t tor at Hoy Creek runs along the walking Pi tie
and Environment instructor a

Se ah

trail that is located behind the
Coquitlam campus of Douglas College.
Frank Ritcey, provincial co-
ordinator for WildSafeBC, a conservation
group, said in an interview with the
Other Press that Douglas College
should “ensure that all garbage on
campus grounds is collected before
nightfall or is stored in bear-resistant
bins.” He added that students should
“keep safe by being on the lookout
for bears and keeping your distance

Douglas College, commented on the
presence of the animal in the area in
an interview with the Other Press.

“[Bears] typically avoid people,” he
said, “but bears in this area are becoming
habituated to [humans] over time.”

On the subject of how to decrease
the presence of bears near the school,
McPhee said, “They are looking for food,
so not leaving food wrappers or scraps
of food around outside the campus is
ane The college could possibly from them. If you see a bear, don’t

ook at replacing outside garbage bins

with bear safe ones with locking lids.” scream, and don’t run—remain calm
McPhee also advised and back slowly away from the bear.

Coquitlam is no stranger to
bear sightings. Last year there were
478 black bear sightings in the first
19 days of September, according to
a report by 24Hrs Vancouver. Most 2 Be a
of these incidents were caused by fo sy
bears attracted to garbage that had eat . tne es
not been properly disposed of. ViKEAGénankien a a

"
ty

This map shows the number of sightings in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam

since Sept. 1. via BC Conservation Foundation

students on how to stay safe.
“If someone sees a bear, head in
a different direction away from the
bear, walking normally,” he said.
The time of year also plays
a part in the bear's behaviour,
according to McPhee.

   

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