Warning issued over springtime wildlife encounters in Fort St. John after moose and bear reports

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John is reminding residents to exercise caution while outdoors after receiving reports of moose and bear sightings in Fish Creek Community Forest.

City of Fort St. John communications manager Ryan Harvey said the city received two reports — one on Sunday and the other on Monday morning.

He says the city typically sees about half a dozen wildlife sighting reports per year, increasing in frequency in the spring and fall.

“One of the advantages to living here is our closeness to nature,” Harvey said. “Obviously, with that comes some heightened risk during certain periods of the year.

“With warming temperatures now, this is a time where it’s important that we just be bear-aware and wildlife-aware and make sure that we prevent, as much as possible, those interactions from happening.”

In order to prevent negative wildlife encounters, the city recommends residents avoid surprising wildlife by making noise while in the area and consider travelling in groups. It says any changes in wildlife behaviour may mean one is too close to the animal. 

“If you encounter a bear – do not turn your back and run – speak calmly yet firmly while trying to appear larger and back away slowly. If the animal is aggressive, throw things at it. If attacked, fight back,” the City said in a post to social media.