VICTORIA - The public is advised that more conflicts between bears and humans are anticipated as very hot, dry weather conditions, combined with the effects of forest fires and one of the driest summers on record, force animals into areas where people live, work and recreate.

Throughout the Interior and the Kootenays, wildlife is finding it difficult to cope with limited food sources. Bears are naturally preparing for hibernation at this time of year and their metabolism is becoming more active. As a result, bears are becoming more aggressive in their search for food. Wildlife biologists have indicated that hot, dry weather has meant a limit on the quality and quantity of natural food sources bears rely on. Fires have exacerbated the problem. Conservation officers expect to see a greater number of bear-human conflicts during the next several months until the bears begin hibernation in the fall.

The public is advised to take extra precautions to prevent bears from becoming a danger to themselves, their families, and their property. Some of the steps they can take include:
* Safely storing garbage and not placing it out until the morning of pickup
* Cleaning up ripe fruit that has fallen and picking fruit from trees as soon as possible
* Safely storing pet food and not feeding pets outdoors
* Burning the residue from barbecues after use

Conservation officers are monitoring the situation closely. Protecting public safety is their number 1 priority. For media, contact:
* Conservation officer Bruce Voth, Kamloops: (250) 371-6309
* Conservation officer Jim Corbett, Penticton: (250) 490-8269
* Conservation officer Mike Krause, Williams Lake : (250) 398-4570
* Conservation officer Peter Stent, Nelson: (250) 354-6361
* Conservation officer Bill Stalker, Cranbrook: (250) 489-8513

To reach any conservation officer, in any part of the province, or to report a wildlife emergency, contact the 24-hour call centre at 1-800-663-WILD (9453).  

Contact:

Alex Dabrowski
Public Affairs Officer, Victoria
250 953-4577