Maple Ridge urges residents to keep bears wild
Published 5:45 pm Wednesday, August 19, 2026
With recent high-profile bear incidents, and with bear activity increasing, the City of Maple Ridge is urging residents to be more bear-aware, and protect both their homes and local wildlife.
A three-year-old girl was mauled by a black bear on the back deck of her Maple Ridge home on Aug. 9.
The Maple Ridge Black Bear Society reports that a recent tour of the 240th Street and 120th Avenue area found people still storing trash and garbage bins outside, even when it is not their collection day. Members of the society have spoken to people in the neighbourhood about removing this source of attracting bears into residential areas.
As bears prepare for hibernation in the fall, they enter a period of increased feeding called hyperphagia. They may travel farther and spend more time looking for high-calorie food, often entering residential neighbourhoods when attractants are easily available.
Garbage, compost, pet food, bird feeders, fallen fruit and unclean barbecues can draw bears and other wildlife into neighbourhoods. Managing these attractants is the most effective way to help prevent potentially dangerous human-wildlife interactions and protect local wildlife, said the city.
“Recent bear activity is a reminder that everyone has a role in keeping our neighbourhoods safe,” said Michelle Adams, director of bylaw, licensing & community safety. “Bears that find food in residential areas are likely to return. Securing attractants is one of the most effective ways to prevent conflicts and protect residents, pets and wildlife.”
To help keep bears, wildlife, and residents safe, the city recommends:
• Store garbage in wildlife-resistant containers or a secure building. Place garbage carts out no earlier than 5 a.m. and remove by 7 p.m. on collection day.
• Consider taking bird feeders down until winter.
• Use bear-resistant composters and avoid adding meat, fish, or cooked food scraps to your compost. Freeze smelly garbage until collection day.
• After each use, thoroughly clean your BBQ to remove food residue and grease.
• Do not leave pet food outside and feed pets indoors.
• Use fencing to protect beehives, chicken coops, and other small livestock. Fruit trees: Pick ripened fruit from trees and vines immediately.
The city’s Wildlife and Vector Control Bylaw aims to reduce human-wildlife interactions and ensure wildlife protection and public safety. Those found contravening this bylaw can be issued daily fines ranging from $100 to $500.
Residents are advised to report wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP).
If you encounter a bear:
• Stay calm and do not run.
• Back away slowly while speaking in a calm voice.
• Give the animal plenty of space to leave the area.
• Keep pets leashed and close to you, especially during early morning or evening hours.
For more information on bear safety and to access additional resources, visit wildsafebc.com or contact mrwildsafebc@gmail.com.
Report concerns related to garbage or wildlife attractants at MapleRidge.ca/Report or contact the city’s bylaw team at 604-467-7305 or bylaws@mapleridge.ca.