Bears and Wildlife Prevention

Contact the Conservation Officer at 1 (877) 952-7277 or #7277 on a cell phone if you have an encounter with wildlife or feel threatened by wildlife.

Wildlife Country

We are in wildlife country. Residents, visitors and business owners in the District of Sechelt share the responsibility to keep each other and wildlife safe. Thank you for helping us keep our wildlife wild.

Your Role

Storing Garbage, Recycling and Organics

Waste MUST be stored in a wildlife proof enclosure
Bins should only be outside within 8:00am and 6:00pm on your scheduled collection days

Please see Bylaw No. 598, 2021 or our Garbage and Recycling page for more information

Wildlife Friendly Landscaping

Trim trees and shrubs so you are not creating shelter
Store firewood, lumber, or other materials in a way to reduce its attractiveness as a home or hiding place for smaller animals
Clean your barbecue after use
Ensure chicken coops and beehives are surrounded by a well maintained electric fence

Managing Fruit Trees

Harvest vegetable gardens and fruit trees as they ripen
Do not let fruit gather on the ground
Prune trees when they are dormant

Fence Your Yard

Consider using:

Solid fencing
Farmers electrical fencing

Bears

Avoid an Encounter

Make noise
Do not hike alone
Stay on officially marked trails
Watch for bear scat and tracks
Keep you dogs on leash
Carry bear spray and know how to use it

During an Encounter

Back up slowly, never run
Stay calm
Do not stare
Give it space. Do not block access to its cubs or food.
Use your bear spray if it approaches you

A Defensive Attack

In the case that a bear has been frightened or feels threatened:

Stand your ground and back away only when the bear has stopped its approach
Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms and jacket and/or standing on a rock or stump
Yell "Hey Bear" loudly
Take your bear spray from the holster and remove the safety latch to get ready to spray if needed

A Predatory Attack

In the case that a bear is stalking you along a trail:

Stay calm
Try to escape into a building or car
Use your bear spray if it approaches you
Do not run

For more information about coexisting with bears please visit the Sunshine Coast Bear Alliance.

Coyotes

During an Encounter

Make yourself appear large
Maintain eye contact
Speak in a firm voice or shout
Wave your arms
Make noise
Do not run or turn your back

Protect your Pets

A coyote may harm cats and small dogs. Please keep you pets inside at night
Keep dogs on leashes when outside

Cougars

During an Encounter

Stay calm
Make yourself appear large
Back away slowly, never turn your back
Allow a clear exit for the cougar
Pick up children and small pets
Maintain eye contact
Speak in a firm or loud voice

Protect your Pets

A cougar may harm cats and small dogs. Please keep you pets inside at night
Keep dogs on leashes when outside

For more information see Wildsafe BC, the provincial leader in preventing conflict with wildlife through collaboration, education, and community solutions.