Some residents in the Thompson-Okanagan region are observing bears in their backyards and communities this summer, climbing on berry bushes, drinking out of water bowls and eating out of bird feeders.

September is typically the busiest month for spotting black bears in the province as they are driven to eat as much as possible before entering hibernation, but several residents are seeing bear activity earlier this year.

iN PHOTOS: Bears already bulking up in Okanagan, Kamloops | iNFOnews.ca — A black bear snacks on berries on a property in the North Okanagan. SUBMITTED/Sandra Nelson

Numerous wildfires are burning in the region. Fires destroy forest habitats and the vegetation bears rely on, and that can send them into urban environments to seek out alternative food sources, according to thefurbearers.com.

In an email to iNFOnews.ca, the Ministry of Environment and Parks confirmed there has be a slight increase in bear conflicts in the Kelowna area this month.

Some residents are putting out water bowls for displaced wildlife and those affected by drought this summer while keeping a safe distance and snapping photographs.

Drivers are encouraged to be aware of animals fleeing fires during wildfire activity, and to report injured wildlife to local rehabilitation centres. Local residents can secure garbage and compost in wildlife-resistant containers, remove fallen fruit from the ground and remove bird feeders to deter the bears from returning to their properties.

It’s advised residents don’t feed or approach bears, stop along trails or highways to photograph them, or get between a mother and her cubs.