Metro Vancouver is reminding the public to be bear aware if they plan to get outside and visit a Regional Park.
Black bears are already active in Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, including Lynn Headwaters in North Vancouver, Minnekhada in Coquitlam and Belcarra, and it’s important for park visitors to practice bear-safe behaviours in parks where bears may be present.
Signs will let visitors know whether a bear is in the area as well as offer simple tips to help keep people safe and bears wild. These include:
Black bears are already active in Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, including Lynn Headwaters in North Vancouver, Minnekhada in Coquitlam and Belcarra, and it’s important for park visitors to practice bear-safe behaviours in parks where bears may be present.
Signs will let visitors know whether a bear is in the area as well as offer simple tips to help keep people safe and bears wild. These include:
- Never leave food unattended.
- Dispose of all garbage – including organic waste such as apple cores and banana peels – in the bear-proof bins provided.
- Make noise, such as talking and singing, as you walk along the trail to let bears know you’re in the area so they can leave.
The signs are part of Metro Vancouver Regional Parks’ bear management strategy, which includes monitoring bear activity, mapping bear sightings, managing attractants, responding to incidents and working with other agencies.
At Belcarra Regional Park, where bears have been attracted by food left in the open, a pilot project is also in place this year. Four food lockers are being installed next to the picnic shelters at the Belcarra Picnic Area. Working together, we can keep regional parks safe, enjoyable places for people and wildlife.