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Coquitlam RCMP Share Tips for Safely Co-Existing with Wildlife

Coquitlam

2025-04-10 13:54 PDT

Coquitlam RCMP reminds residents to be Bear Aware and take steps to help prevent human-wildlife conflict.

One of the great benefits of living in British Columbia is our proximity to nature and its beautiful wildlife. As bears emerge from hibernation and become more active in the coming months, let’s ensure the safety of both animals and humans with some key tips:

Be cautious while driving through neighbourhoods – bears, deer, and other animals can blend into their surroundings and be difficult to spot.
Secure your garbage, whether it’s kept indoors or in a secure shed. Always put out compost, recycling, and garbage on the designated collection day – never the night before.
Avoid feeding or attracting wild animals. Bears that are given human food are more likely to become habituated and will return to those food sources, increasing the risk to both their safety and public safety.
If you encounter a bear, do not approach or interact with it. Keep your distance – bears can be unpredictable, they are wild animals.

Bear walking over pedestrian bridge.

Not all bear sightings need to be reported. However, if you observe aggressive bear behaviour or a conflict, contact the Conservation Officer Service 24-hour hotline at 1-877-952-7277.

Bear at head of trail.

It’s always a treat to see a bear family wandering along a community tree line or a group of deer nibbling on your neighbour’s petunias, said Coquitlam RCMP Media Officer Acting Sergeant John Graham. However, getting too close to these majestic creatures can be dangerous for several reasons. Please enjoy their presence from a safe and respectful distance.

Facts to Know:

As of June 2024, anyone caught feeding dangerous wildlife – including bears, cougars, coyotes, and wolves – could face increased fines of up to $575 under the BC Wildlife Act;
It’s an offense to place waste receptacles out too early or too late. Refer to your local bylaws for specific details;
A very small percentage of human-bear interactions result in attacks or aggressive behaviour. In most cases, bears are simply going about their regular business;
Bears have an impressive sense of smell and can detect a food source from over 30 km away, including attractants and human-caused food waste.

Four bears on trail.