A family of black bears that took up residence between the Chamberlain apartments seems to have moved on, causing no harm to the town and in turn, not being destroyed.
The bears were originally spotted in the green space between town hall and the Legion. RCMP officers were able to use their sirens to cause the bears to move, but by Tuesday, September 23, they had taken up residence in a tree next to the path running down from the upper bench to Chamberlain.
The bears appear to have been attracted to a tree full of crab apples in the front yard of a nearby property.
“Bear in area” signs were placed along the path, but were mostly ignored. Indeed some people (frequently school kids) took the signs as an invitation to go see the bears.
Frequently, the two cubs were to be found chased up the tree, while the mama bear either joined them in the tree or hung about the base of the tree, though they were also frequently to be found eating crab apples across the street.
After a number of days, the owner of the property was asked to remove the attractants, and the bears appear to have moved on, and haven’t been seen in a “few days” as of press date.
Residents are reminded to remove any attractants from their properties. This includes crab apples, but also pet food. Garbage containers must be kept sealed with both clips fastened. BBQs should be cleaned frequently.
If you have a bird feeder on your property, don’t overfill it, as this can attract bears. It is recommended to not use bird feeders while bears are about.
Find more ways to keep from attracting bears to your property by searching the BC Government website for “Staying Safe Around Wildlife.”
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
