An increase in human-bear conflicts in the Cariboo has conservation officers asking for the public’s assistance in reducing risk factors.
Weather patterns have seen some wild food sources dry up early prompting bears to come closer for potential food sources says Conservation Officer James Zucchelli.
“We’re in a year right now where a lot of berries have dried up early and the bears are just moving in and they are coming in really close to people,” he said.
“So if we could the message out for people to clean up their act so we don’t have to keep killing bears.”
Zucchelli says fruit trees need to be gleaned and garbage needs to be either kept in a secure place or taken to a transfer station.
He advises residents to call the rap line at 1-877-952-7277 to report any conflicts.