WildSafe BC reports drop in bear sightings in Northern Rockies

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – WildSafe BC’s Northern Rockies Community Program reported a significant decrease in bear sightings but a critical lack of bylaw enforcement resources throughout the year in their annual report to council. 

During the November 12th Committee of the Whole meeting, Kim Eglinskim, Community Coordinator of the WildSafe BC Northern Rockies Community Program, presented the organization’s annual report to the regional council.

Eglinskim explained there was a substantial reduction in bear sightings throughout the region in 2024 and stated this was likely due to plentiful wild food sources, wildfires, and loud human activities such as sirens and ATVs. Throughout the year, the community program only had 29 calls of bear sightings. 

However, this reduction in sightings had a negative impact on community turnout for bear safety events such as booths, presentations, and workshops. 

“When they’re not here, nobody is thinking about them; there’s a sense of complacency,” Eglinskim said. 

Despite this reduction in bear safety interest, the annual report highlighted 250 students educated throughout the year, more than 1,600 people reached via social media, especially Facebook, and 58 bin tagging events. 

During such events, bins owned by residents of NRRM were tagged for being out the night before pick-up, for being out after 7 p.m. the day of pick-up, and for being out overnight after pick-up. Of those bins ticketed throughout the year, 35 were identified as not complying with bylaws on more than one occasion. 

Garbage bins in situations such as this are substantial bear attractors and can be hazardous for continued bear activity close to human populations. 

In an effort to reach Bear Smart Status, Eglinskim explained that bylaw enforcement must be increased, with dedicated resources provided for follow-ups and enforcement. 

The complete 2024 is expected to be presented to council at a future meeting in December.