Young black bear dines on bird feeder on Knox Mountain

KELOWNA – A week after the city warned residents that bears have been spotted at Knox Mountain Park, a reader has sent in pictures of juvenile eating supper in her yard at Magic Estates.

Jan O’Brien photographed the young black bear Monday around dinner-time as it climbed up a tree to reach her feeder. 

"I had just got home," she says. "And after taking (the) photo shoo'd him out of my yard. No sign of momma bear so don't know why he's by himself. He eventually wondered off up the hill after about 20 minutes in the neighbour's yard."

Last week the City of Kelowna put up signs in the same area and sent out media releases warning bears have been seen in the area of Knox Mountain Park.

“People should respect bears by anticipating and avoiding encounters with them whenever possible,” the release said. “Stay alert while enjoying natural parks. Travel in groups when possible, make noise and keep dogs leashed and on the trails. Bears can be aggressive, especially when defending their food or their cubs. If encountering a bear, reduce potential conflicts by staying well away from the animal.”

Residents who feel threatened by a wild animal should notify either the conservation office at 1-877-356-2029 or the RCMP at 250-762-3300.

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