White Pine Beach is once again welcoming picnickers after a temporary food ban prompted by bear activity.
Metro Vancouver says some food will be allowed again starting Saturday, Aug.9, but cooking remains off-limits for now.
After a bold black bear repeatedly wandered through the picnic area at White Pine Beach in late July, Metro Vancouver shut the entire beach down for a week.
Visitors had reportedly left food out, which the bear helped itself to, and when it refused to leave, officials stepped in.
“The bear refused to leave the area, so the beach was closed to the public,” Metro Vancouver told Daily Hive.
“The closure remained in place for a week, and the area was reopened to the public on Aug. 3.”
The incident triggered a temporary food ban covering the beach and the surrounding Sasamat Lake area, including the floatwalk and loop trail.
But starting Saturday, the food ban will officially be lifted.
Visitors will be allowed to bring food back into the park, though Metro Vancouver is still urging everyone to be extra cautious and follow all posted signage.
That said, don’t dust off the barbecue just yet.
Cooking will still be prohibited throughout the entire park until further notice, including at the concessions, which will only offer cold, pre-made options.
“Outdoor cooking is prohibited throughout the park to avoid attracting bears,” the agency said.
The idea is to eliminate strong smells and food attractants that could draw bears back into public spaces. It’s part of a larger effort to keep both people and wildlife safe.
“Metro Vancouver has concerns that several bears in the area could become food conditioned,” the agency said.
“When bears become ‘food conditioned,’ they can lose their fear of people.”
To help curb that behaviour, the park authority says it’s stepping up its efforts on the ground.
“Staff have put up additional signs about the bear activity and the food and cooking bans throughout the park,” they said.
“Park staff are patrolling regularly and speaking with visitors to remind them of the food and cooking bans.”
The region is also working closely with the BC Conservation Officer Service and said the restrictions may continue to evolve depending on what’s needed.
“If you’re heading to White Pine this weekend, bring your cold snacks, stay alert, and leave the portable grill at home,” Metro Vancouver advised.
The beach may be back open for food, but the bears are still watching.
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