Saanich police and the Ministry of Environment are warning the public to remain alert after a black bear was spotted in a residential area.<\/p>\n
Saanich Police say it received two confirmed sightings of a black bear earlier on Saturday.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Times Colonist reported a black bear was spotted along Burnside Road West near Granville Avenue around 10:30 a.m. Saturday. CHEK News has contacted the Ministry of Environment on Sunday for an update.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the animal hasn\u2019t shown any signs of aggression, its presence in a residential area is something we take seriously,\u201d said Insp. Damian Kowalewich, Saanich Police.<\/p>\n
He adds that officers are monitoring the area closely and have been in direct contact with the BC Conservation Officer Service who are actively engaged.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cPublic safety is our top priority. We\u2019re working closely with BC Conservation to ensure both residents and the animal remain safe,\u201d said Kowalewich.<\/p>\n
The department is asking residents to remain alert and avoid approaching the bear.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you see the bear, stay calm, back away slowly, and report the sighting. Do not attempt to interact with or feed the animal.\u201d<\/p>\n
The COS and Saanich Police are continuing to monitor the situation.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Environment says its main concern is when there is any human bear conflict, or if it\u2019s being a nuisance bear. To date no human bear conflicts or signs of aggressive behaviour have been reported.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe public are reminded to be cautious when out during daylight and non-daylight hours and be aware of their surroundings at all times,\u201d states the Ministry of Environment.<\/p>\n
If you observe dangerous wildlife in an urban area, report the incident<\/a> by calling the RAPP (Report All Poachers and Polluters) hotline 1-877-952-7277<\/a>.<\/p>\n A dangerous scenario could include a bear rummaging through garbage or human food supplies, bear sighted in a public location like a city park or school, or an instance when the bear cannot be easily scared off.<\/p>\n \u201cSecuring attractants, such as garbage, compost, pet food and birdseed, is the best way to help keep people, and bears, safe,\u201d states the ministry.<\/p>\n Learn more about how to prevent and report conflicts with dangerous wildlife in urban settings at the B.C. Government website<\/a>. <\/p>\n