Photo Credit: RDCO
The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is asking residents and visitors alike to leave wild animals alone if they come across them in their natural habitat.
With ripening fruit in valley orchards and Kokanee salmon soon swimming up creeks to spawn, people can expect to see more bears in regional parks.
“This time of year, our field staff and visitors start seeing more signs that bears are around. As sightings increase, we post signs advising that the animals may be active in the area” says Communications Officer Bruce Smith.
Evidence of bears are around is already occurring at places such as Hardy Falls, Scenic Canyon, and Glen Canyon regional parks.
“To reduce your chance of an encounter” he says, “if possible, travel in a group, make noise or carry something that makes noise so that you make your presence known. During the fall Kokanee salmon spawning season in local creeks and rivers visitors may encounter bears bulking up on this food source. Bears fishing for food may not hear you over the noise of the creek water. If you see a bear, give it plenty of space and stay well away from it.”
Smith adds that people should actively avoid encounters with bears whenever possible as they can be very aggressive, especially when defending their food or cubs.
Dog owners are reminded to keep their pets leashed at all times and on trails to help avoid possible encounters.
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