Maple Ridge urges residents to keep bears wild<\/p>\n
Published 5:45 pm Wednesday, August 19, 2026<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A three-year-old girl was mauled by a black bear on the back deck of her Maple Ridge home on Aug. 9.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cRecent bear activity is a reminder that everyone has a role in keeping our neighbourhoods safe,\u201d said Michelle Adams, director of bylaw, licensing & community safety. \u201cBears 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
To help keep bears, wildlife, and residents safe, the city recommends:<\/p>\n
\u2022 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.\u202f<\/p>\n
\u2022 Consider taking bird feeders down until winter.\u202f<\/p>\n
\u2022 Use bear-resistant composters and avoid adding meat, fish, or cooked food scraps to your compost. Freeze smelly garbage until collection day.\u202f<\/p>\n
\u2022 After each use, thoroughly clean your BBQ to remove food residue and grease.\u202f<\/p>\n
\u2022 Do not leave pet food outside and feed pets indoors.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Use fencing to protect beehives, chicken coops, and other small livestock.\u202fFruit trees: Pick ripened fruit from trees and vines immediately.\u202f<\/p>\n
The city\u2019s 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.\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
If you encounter a bear:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Stay calm and do not run.
\u2022 Back away slowly while speaking in a calm voice.
\u2022 Give the animal plenty of space to leave the area.
\u2022 Keep pets leashed and close to you, especially during early morning or evening hours.<\/p>\n
For more information on bear safety and to access additional resources, visit wildsafebc.com<\/a> or contact mrwildsafebc@gmail.com.<\/p>\n