With fall comes increased bear activity in the Thompson-Okanagan

As autumn approaches, apples are ripening, kokanee salmon are returning and so bear sightings are becoming more likely in the Thompson-Okanagan region.

Residents are being asked to be vigilant, according to a media release from the Central Okanagan regional district.

To stay safe, hikers are asking to travel in groups of four or more and making enough noise to be heard by bears when on trails.

Still, bears might not hear humans if they are foraging for food, or fishing salmon in noisy waterways. If found face to face with a bear, it's recommended you stay calm, leave the animal plenty of room, and more importantly room for it to escape. If traveling with a dog, make sure it is on a leash and doesn't go chasing after wildlife.

Other actions to reduce contact with bears can be taken a home. Residents are encouraged to securely store their garbage and only take garbage bins out to the road on the morning of collection, not the night before.

If a bear is an immediate threat to public safety the Conservation Officer Service can be reached at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP).

For more information on bear awareness and wildlife safety visit WildSafeBC here.

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